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 Revealed Sep 16, 2009
What a poignant and down-to-earth account of what goes on back stage in an actor's life.
For those of us that watch musicals and movies everything seems glittery and wonderful, but we can never truly understand the work that it took to put such a production together or the struggles of the actors in a very unforgiving industry.
Byron Nease had to overcome a dysfunctional family, an "unacceptable" sexual orientation, and AIDS to make a life for himself on stage. Most will remember him in his role as The Phantom.
It is always intriguing to learn about what an actor carries behind the mask we see on stage or on television.
I found Nease's account stirring and challenging to break down stereotypes and perceptions and realize there's more to a person's life than what you see on stage.
Thank you for sharing your life with us.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A Frank and Moving Memoir Jul 21, 2009
Upfront confession #1: I'm a Phantom fan, and Byron Nease is my favorite Raoul (the romantic lead).
Upfront confession #2: I finished this book the same day that it arrived in the mail, and I had to spend some time absorbing what I had read before I could write a review.
"Behind the Mask ... No More" is not a chronological autobiography; it is a memoir with various matters grouped in thematic chapters. While some might find this format confusing, I found it easy to think of the chapters as essays with examples from Nease's life.
Nease pulls no punches about the difficulties he has endured. He writes honestly about growing up as a young gay man in a conservative Christian family where abuse was part of the dynamic (physical and emotional). The same applies to discussing the foibles of his theatrical career, his HIV diagnosis (and the medication side effects), and finally deciding to talk about his life.
Nease talks about all of these things in terms of masks he learned to wear long before he ever played Raoul, or the Yeston/Kopit Phantom (a role he refers to in the prologue as "going to the dark side). In deciding to stand bare-faced and bare-souled in his memoir, Nease shows how we all hide parts of ourselves from our loved ones that would be better off shared.
This is a book that I will be re-reading from time to time, to remind me of the importance of compassion and love.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A lesson in COURAGE May 04, 2009
In Behind the Mask No More, Byron Nease offers the reader an example of how to live an authentic life - how to have the courage to present the real you to the world - without fear - in order to live fully and truly. Rather than being didactic, he does this by example - laying bare very personal details which most of us would make every effort to "Mask". After reading of Mr. Nease's struggles with health and family issues, amidst highlights of an impressive show business career,you will surely feel better armed to deal with your own difficulties and strife with confidence, freedom, LOVE and HUMOR. Also, if you ever have the chance to hear Byron Nease perform live - you must do it. He has one of the best voices you will ever hear.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A tragic and uplifting story Apr 30, 2009
Byron "Bud" Nease was born into a family in turmoil and was whisked away from his minister father and his two sisters by his neurotic, actress/singer mother at a very young age to a life of abuse and confusion.
He spends most of his life explaining to his father that he is Christian and he is gay. Though his father is not happy with Bud's "choice", he does not banish him from his life.
When Bud is diagnosed as HIV positive, his life and career are threatened due to the side effects of the many drugs he is taking. However, he proves that he is a survivor and he has his family's and friend's support through the difficulties he encounters.
As for Bud's professional life, he is a singer and actor who has many wonderful famous friends who support him in his happiest and his darkest moments.
I enjoyed Mr. Nease's story for the notable strength and perseverance that he demonstrates for the many obstacles that he has had to overcome. The many photographs in his book are very telling and help the reader to visualize the people and places he loved so much. Though the book was written more like a diary, which some people may not like, I found it an enjoyable read.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
truly inspirational Apr 18, 2009
Byron Nease has written a painful and revealing autobiography. His journey from a scarred young boy to a successful Broadway actor is described in detail. He describes his life in a dysfunctional family, the torment of being fat as a youngster and holding back his true self from his family for many years. He lets the reader share his experience from dinner theater, cabaret and cruise singer to Broadway leading man. It takes a lot of guts for Mr. Nease to come forward and tell not only his family but now his readers the life of being HIV positive. I applaud his courage and letting us into his personal life.
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