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16. 06. 09. - 11:00

´Austrian Brüno´ to play drag queen

By Thomas Hochwarter

The Austrian entertainer labelled "real-life Brüno" is returning to play the role of a drag queen.

After the enormous success of the stage version of the comedy "La Cage aux Folles" last summer, Alfons Haider will play the role of Zaza at the summer theatre festival at Stockerau, Lower Austria from 16 July until 14 August.

The festival has existed since 1964. Haider took over as creative director eleven years ago. Past successes include "The King and I" in which Haider, a confessed homosexual and one of Austria’s busiest entertainers and TV presenters, starred in the leading role. "La Cage aux Folles" was the first musical dealing with homosexuality when it hit Broadway in the early 1980s.

The UK media began last month to compare Haider with "Brüno", the latest movie character created by anarchic comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, when Haider hosted Vienna’s Life Ball. "Brüno" will be in cinemas on 10 July.

The 51-year-old was surprised and flattered by the "real-life Brüno" tag. He said: "I must say I'm slightly surprised by all the attention because I never had the slightest idea the character was like me.

"I am not afraid it will harm my career. Sacha is a great actor and comedian, and I am sure it will be hilarious when it comes out," Haider added.

Haider, however, stressed: "But, unlike Brüno, I am not right-wing and am not a fashion designer. The only similarity is that I am also openly gay."

Austrian Times

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