As daughter of '50s crooner Eddie Fisher and actress Debbie Reynolds, the tumultuous life of Fisher began early as a toddler. It was at this time that scandal erupted in the form of Fisher's father falling wildly in love and in turn leaving Reynolds and his family, for the glamorous Elizabeth Taylor. Taylor, at the time, was the widow of Eddie's best friend, Mike Todd. These anecdotes and more come up in Wishful Drinking.
No stranger to Hollywood and tabloid gossip herself, Fisher's bold wit and wry humor allows for a retelling of some of Hollywood's most salacious stories.
"I'm making fun of the stuff that's not funny," she said. Fisher continues to explain that by sharing her points, the show has demanded reflection and perspective on her life. Audience members will be captivated with Fisher's raw performance as they journey with her through her complex Hollywood youth, rise to fame (cue the Star Wars main theme), and her struggle with bipolar disorder.
"Performing is a lot easier than writing. Writing can feel like homework," said Fisher who thoroughly enjoys the audience interaction in her shows. "I wish I could bring more people on stage."
Fisher's sense of humor and honest persona in Wishful Drinking has won her legions of gay fans throughout the years. Upon being asked her reaction to having been considered by many as a 'gay icon,' Fisher responds: "Icon? Icon makes me [sound] old!"
She recounts that her first three kisses were all gay men, as well as the fact she was once married to one. In Wishful Drinking, Fisher discusses her marriage to casting agent Bryan Lourd, father of her 20 year-old daughter, Billie. Fisher at one time believed that it was she who had 'turned' Lourd gay, only to realize years later that he was who he was, and on some level she knew.
When asked who she would turn gay if she had the ability, Fisher laughed: "Any Republican presidential candidate and their families. And they would all come out at once." She quickly recanted only to retort. "Actually, [Dick] Cheney. I'd choose Cheney."
Through the world-wide tour of her show, Fisher has been able to visit countless cities. Her favorite city? "London!" Fisher exclaimed. "I have lots of friends there." Fisher recounted her recent trip across the pond, in which she celebrated many nights out on the town. "It was twelve gay guys and me. Among us we had Stephen Fry and Rupert Everett. We had a few great nights."
Fisher, who spent time in Baltimore while filming the made-for-TV-movie Liberty in 1986, is also quite excited to spend the duration of her show's two week run here in town.
"There are a lot of my father's relatives there. I really hope to meet up with cousins once I'm back in town." Fisher also explained how she enjoys the historical, old feel of Baltimore, which is a contrast to the modern feel of Los Angeles.
On top of currently performing Wishful Drinking, Fisher found time to publish Shockaholic in November 2011. It continues the tradition as one of her most candid memoirs to date.
"My daughter liked it," Fisher explained. "She felt this one was more emotional." It's in Shockaholic that Fisher describes the process of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments, which she receives to help combat her bipolar disorder.
Even with a hectic tour, Fisher is still finding time to work on new material. "I'm working on a travel book to China to see the ice festival." Fisher also explains that she currently isn't planning any more memoirs about her life any time soon. "I'm taking a break."
Wishful Drinking
Jan 31-Feb 12. 8pm. $35-70
Hippodrome Theatre
12 N. Eutaw St.
France-MerrickPAC.com
