Casa Valentina

by Harvey Fierstein

Nestled in the Catskills—1962's land of dirty dancing and Borscht Belt comedy—an inconspicuous bungalow colony catered to a very special clientele: heterosexual men who delighted in dressing and acting as women. These white-collar professionals would discreetly escape their families to spend their weekends safely inhabiting their chosen female alter-egos. But given the opportunity to share their secret lives with the world, the members of this sorority had to decide whether the freedom gained by openness was worth the risk of personal ruin. Based on real events and infused with Fierstein's trademark wit, this moving, insightful, and delightfully entertaining work offers a glimpse into the lives of a group of "self-made women" as they search for acceptance and happiness in their very own Garden of Eden.

Genres: Plays, LGBT, Theatre, Drama

64 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2015

About the author

Harvey Fierstein is an acclaimed American actor, playwright, and screenwriter known for his unmistakable gravelly voice and groundbreaking work in theatre, film, and television. He first rose to prominence with Torch Song Trilogy, which he wrote and starred in, earning Tony Awards for both Best Play and Best Actor in a Play. Fierstein followed with another major success, writing the Tony-winning book for the musical La Cage aux Folles, and later won Best Actor in a Musical for playing Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, a role he reprised for Hairspray Live!.
In addition to his acting accolades, Fierstein wrote the books for Broadway musicals such as Kinky Boots, Newsies, and A Catered Affair, continuing to shape musical theatre with stories that center empathy and inclusion. He has been widely recognized for bringing LGBTQ+ narratives to mainstream audiences and was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2007.
Fierstein’s screen work includes memorable roles in Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day, and voicing Yao in Disney’s Mulan. A versatile performer and vocal activist, he has authored op-eds and scripts that champion visibility and equality. His 2022 memoir, I Was Better Last Night, became a New York Times Bestseller and offered personal reflections on his identity, career, and survival.
Openly gay since early in his career, Fierstein has long been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ representation on stage and screen. Though he resists labeling his gender identity, he embraces his unique experience, saying, “I’m comfortable being me.” His influence remains vital to American culture and theatre.

Reviews

[smcdonaldpoet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't get to visit NYC very often. Now that the Canadian dollar has fallen (and can't seem to get up) it's less likely I'll get there anytime soon.

Anyway, the last time I was in NYC I went to see 'Casa Valentina' during it's (unfortunately) brief run. It was truly like stepping into a vanity mirror and right into the world of heterosexually (inclined, at any rate) crossdressers in 1962. An unforgettable night in the theatre.

So, when the play was finally released I ordered a copy and it brought back every laugh and tear of that evening. If you haven't seen the play though (and productions seem to popping up here and there) it reads so well. Almost like a radio play. Wonderful writing from Mr. Fierstein.

This play was based on a real resort for crossdressers (and their wives) called 'Casa Susanna'. A book a found photographs from this era was found at a flea market (I believer) and made into an amazing book called, well, 'Casa Susanna'. Check it out (online, library etc.) and search for the word "Transvestia" online as that was the magazine/digest they speak of in the play. The magazine and organization/sorority was started by the 'Grand Dame' of modern day cross-dressing, Virginia Prince.

[Jessica López-Barkl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good play; I respect it and appreciate the secret history that I learned from it. It was also crazy to think that this play happened in the area I currently live. There are some good monologues for students or actors in this, and some good scenes.

[Codey Odachowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harvey sure does have a way with words and this play is simply gorgeous.

Based on true events, this play follows a group of Transvestites (heterosexual men cross-dressing as women) spending a weekend at a resort dedicated to them being able to dress as their alter egos and live their lives authentically.

Well of course, drama ensues and these Self-Made women from all different walks of life have differing and clashing opinions.

This play sheds light on a community that is often looked down upon and often ignored. It humanize these folks who are just trying to be themselves and enjoy their lives.

Simply beautiful. Beautiful story. Beautiful characters. Beautiful writing.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this play. It started out just a fun-loving romp with bitingly quick dialogue. By the second act it revealed itself as a moralistic and political declarative. This play really focuses on intersectionality and what it means to fight for your group cause and who gets to be part of that group. Ultimately, it came down to that even in a world where men feel most themselves when dressed as women, that the white CIS males still felt that they were the only people that counted. I can't say much more than that without ruining it, but it is a wonderful read.

I hope you enjoy it and then light your copy on fire and use it to burn down the fucking patriarch.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harvey Fierstein is my hero, the only reason I'm giving this 4 stars is because its full effect could only be felt by seeing it live. An amazing play.

[Bertie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been meaning to read this play for years, having discovered a photo book compiled of the film photographs taken at Casa Susanna, a real place in the Catskills for trans womxn / cross dressers to have a weekend of peace to live authentically as themselves / the other side of themselves. That said, it’s blistering exploration of a division in the queer community (some of these womxn are incredibly anti-gay) is one I had not experienced before in literature, and rocked me.

Now, the modern queer community is a bit better for the most part at aligning itself together as one unit with many parts (LGBTQIA+). I am not sure how well this pocket of straight people with somewhat segregating views would be received in our modern community. Whilst I found the tale deeply upsetting, especially with the tragedy of one trans(?) character reverting back to their maleness and running away from their own gender exploration as a result of the events of the play, I also found a way to feel hopeful. To look back at the past is to re-observe the present. I am so proud of our community now, some 60 years later. We have some way to go, but our togetherness is heart-swelling.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fierstein's Tony-nominated tour de force, set in the early 60's, is based on the true story of a Catskill resort that catered exclusively to heterosexual crossdressers. Full of Fierstein's customary wit and belly laughs, it is also an intriguing investigation into a subculture most people have no idea even exists. Mainly though, it is an old-fashioned 'well-made' play, something that is a rarity in today's theatre.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this play (or before I guess if you want), YouTube the Manhattan Theatre Club clips of this. They are fantastic, and they give a great sense of the vulnerability an actor can bring to these roles!

[Brian McCann · Rating 3 out of 5]

2022: Act I is lots of exposition with a drop of conflict. The bulk of the conflict is in Act II. The characters are fun, funny, but long-winded.

I saw a production once and just thought it was okay.

2025: Similar impression.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and researched, this is a wonderful story.

[Daniel Krolik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very satisfying. I could see how it was played by it's original cast, and it ends on a beautifully conflicted but hopeful note.