A queer coming-of-age satire with surprising depth
In this humorous story set in the repressive 1950s, insecure Lars Jonson reveals two deep, closely guarded secrets: His lifelong dream is to become a professional modern dancer, and he believes himself to be homosexual. These characteristics are frowned upon and, indeed, despised in his Southside Chicago neighborhood. When in his high school’s college placement office he chances upon a brochure advertising an exciting new program in Modern Dance—led by none other than the famous dancer Diego Ra, at the Wilbur M. Butz College in Alesburg, Illinois—he thinks, This will be my nirvana. Here he can realize his dream to become a modern dancer, surrounded by fellow dance enthusiasts and maybe with a sampling of homos around as well. Moreover, he will be in a safe place, far, far away from the haters in his Southside Chicago neighborhood. So, he packs his bag and heads for Butz College. Unfortunately, not all dreams come true, and Lars’s nirvana is not exactly as was proclaimed in the brochure. In an achingly funny and painfully human voice, Lars shares his disillusionment and hopelessness. But in the depths of despair, Lars finds the courage to face, and defeat, his demons head-on and discovers his dreams may be well within reach.
