Drama Queers! (40 page)

Graduation Memories

This Book Belongs to
BRADLEY JAMES DAYTON

Homecoming King & Queen

Tom Fulton and Jamie Good

Valedictorian & Salutatorian

Jack Paterno and Betsy Sheffield

Lyrics

“Heartland”

FAVORITE ALBUM

Echo & The Bunnymen

FAVORITE ROCK GROUP

Tina Turner

FAVORITE FEMALE VOCALIST

George Michael

FAVORITE MALE VOCALIST

“True Colors”

FAVORITE HIT SINGLE

Tee Vee

“Designing Women”

FAVORITE HALF HOUR SHOW

“Dynasty”

FAVORITE HOUR SHOW

“Matlock”

WORST SHOW

Flicks

“Gone With the Wind”

FAVORITE MOVIE

James Dean

FAVORITE ACTOR

Marilyn Monroe

FAVORITE ACTRESS

Berkley Theatre

FAVORITE THEATER

“Princess Bride”

“Moonstruck”

“Rocky Horror Picture Show”

MEMORABLE MOVIES

Sooner or Later

I predict

Ava Reese marries Don Olsewski Carrie Johnson marries Peter Reckell Jack Paterno becomes a Bestselling Author I win an Academy Award

Autographs

Brad,

When I met you, I thought you were a fag. Now I think your a cool guy
.

Don Olsewski, ’88

Brad,

We’ve been friends since Webster, but I’m glad we got to know each other better at HPHS. I’ll never forget the good times (and sad times) and all the help you gave me in World Shit—I mean, Lit! (“Don’t get my tarp wet you sugar-high druggie”)

Love, Ava

Ava loves Don!

‘88
dominates

Brad,

What can I say? You’re a great guy and a terrific actor. I’ll never forget all the fun times—never! The “cookie in the middle,” Chorale partners, “Grease,” Bloomer State Park. Geez, I could go on forever. Never forget me cuz I sure won’t forget you!

Love always
,

Jamieleeann Mary Sue Good, aka Rizzo (Betty)

Brad
,

You’re a real sweetheart and I’m glad I met you back in 7
^th
grade. You are so talented and you make the lives of those around you so much brighter. I hope to see you on a “soap” someday. May all your dreams come true
.

Love, Clarissa Moody (K.I.T. 546–5670)

Brad,

Your the first real friend I ever had. Sorry I been such a dick head this year and we didn’t spend much time together (you can blame Jack!) Good luck at Julliard, if you get in. If you don’t, there’s always O.C.C. (Kidding!)

Max Wilson

Brad
,

To my Best Friend since 7th grade. I can’t even believe it’s been 6 years since we met. (We are sooo old!) I wouldn’t be the person I am today without your friendship. Thanks for never giving up on me. I know we’ll be friends forever
.

Jack

Brad (opie),

I’m glad you finally got a clue
.

Richie “The Junior” Tyler

Drama Queers Rule!

Bradley,

You are a truly talented young man. May you always follow your heart
.

V. Horchik

“To thine ownself be true.”

A READING GROUP GUIDE

DRAMA QUEERS!

Frank Anthony Polito

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The suggested questions are included to enhance your group’s reading of Frank Anthony Polito’s
Drama Queers!

 


In
Drama Queers!
, Brad meets a lot of interesting characters along his journey. Who did you find to be the most memorable? Who was the most helpful? Who gave him the best advice?


 


 


Despite being gay, Brad is pretty popular at school. Why do you think this is, compared to Jack, who tries desperately to hide his sexuality and doesn’t find this to be the case?


 


 


Was it surprising that Brad was able to put his past feelings about Richie Tyler (“the faggy little 7
^th
grader who played flute in Prep Band and carried his books like a girl”) behind and move forward in pursuing a relationship?


 


 


Why do you think Brad is so reluctant to open up to Audrey about being gay? How about to his co-workers? Isn’t this hypocritical of him in light of what Brad’s been telling Jack about being honest about who he
really
is?


 


 


Brad’s mother seems to have known about his sexuality since he was a child, and yet, she’s been completely supportive of him. If you were the parent of a gay son or daughter, how would you handle the situation?


 


 


Brad’s trip to New York City takes place during the height of the AIDS crisis. Being a boy from a small Midwestern town, were you concerned for his well-being at any point while he was traipsing about the Big City?


 


 


Were there times when you found Brad’s character to be unlikable based on his actions in the story? Do you think he is justified in lying to Richie
about
not being gay in order to protect the future of his career as an actor?


 


 


What outcome were you expecting after Brad’s Juilliard audition? Were you pleased or disappointed? Do you find the way things worked out to be a better life-lesson?


 


 


How did you feel about Brad and Jack’s friendship at the conclusion of the story? Was there anything you wished they would have done or said to each other? Based on their past history, do you think the boys will be Best Friends Forever?


 


 


What do you think will happen next for Brad? Where do you imagine he will end up and with whom?