Few people can tease out the absurdity of life like the early 20th-century writer Dorothy Parker.
Perhaps that’s why the actress and comedian Julie Halston so identifies with her. Now the women’s wits converge in “Finding Dorothy Parker,” a revue of gems from Parker’s often wicked pen that is compiled and directed by Douglas Carter Beane, with Ann Harada, Jackie Hoffman and Anika Larsen starring with Halston. The show runs from Jan. 15 through 22 at the Laurie Beechman Theater.
Parker, who died in 1967, was a drama critic for Vanity Fair and one of the earliest contributors to The New Yorker. She was a frequent attendee, and one of the few women, at the Algonquin Round Table, a regular informal luncheon of writers and journalists that began in 1919.
“Dorothy does remind me of myself,” Halston said. “I always think of her sitting at the Round Table with all those guys and being wittier, more trenchant and more fearless. I’ve been in situations like that and of course the guys had more agency and more power, and I was funnier and smarter. Better but not bitter — but not silent.”
Her days as Bitsy von Muffling in “And Just Like That …” are over, but she’ll play a billionaire on Ryan Murphy’s new series, “The Beauty,” out Jan. 21 on FX and Hulu. And in May, she’ll take “Virtual Halston,” her lockdown streaming show, to Birdland.
Halston elaborated on what she called her obsessions — theater as a service, the power of transformation and the trick to dating as a widow. These are edited excerpts from the conversation.
The Beatles
I had an audition at the Ansonia Hotel, and I had a push-up bra and a very low-cut blouse on. I got up to 72nd Street and who is standing on that corner but John Lennon and Yoko Ono. We’re waiting for the light. And he says: “Hello, love. We’re going over to Vitamin Quota to get some aphrodisiacs, Yoko and me. You should come with us.” My head is exploding. Am I going to do a threesome with John Lennon and Yoko Ono? I literally cannot speak. I finally just said, “I love you very much, John.” And I ran away because I was freaked out.
Theater
Theater is my church and in its noblest form, theater is a service. It is a place to learn, to connect with others, and to experience joy as a performer and an audience member. And if it’s particularly wonderful, we’re all going to have this incredible experience at the same time.
Transformation
I was a plain teenager with dirty blond hair and bland features, but some highlights, eyeliner, blush and lipstick and boom! I went from Julie to Julie. I think that’s why Charles Busch and I got on so well when we started working together. He could transform from male to female, and I could transform from mousy to mighty. And don’t get me started on false eyelashes. I don’t take my trash out without them.
A Book a Week
I read incessantly. Right now I’m reading “The Elements” by John Boyne. I also would recommend Jennette McCurdy’s memoir, “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” She was on Nickelodeon’s “iCarly,” and it’s a bit of a shocker. But the way she wrote it is kind of breezy.
Comedy
Comedy is truth, comedy is healing and comedy speaks all languages.
My Best Friends
They have been there for me in my darkest hours — the death of my husband Ralph Howard in 2018, my early lean years full of insecurity and heartbreak. The costume designer Charles Schoonmaker I’ve known since I was 13. He was the one who said to me after I was complaining about not getting a part, “You’ve got to step up your wardrobe and I’m going to help you.” He’s been styling me for years now.
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
We do an event called Broadway Belts, and this is our 16th year. We’ve raised millions of dollars to help fund research and to help care for patients and their caregivers. I was so honored to get a Tony Award for this work.
The New York Liberty
I’m obsessed with Sabrina Ionescu. She is my ideal. If I wasn’t an actress, I wish I could come back a basketball player.
True Crime
Crime represents the worst in humans, and we are fascinated by terrible behavior, especially for those of us who grew up in the strict Catholic tradition of what good behavior meant. Acting means you could explore behaviors that cover a wide spectrum. That was so alluring.
Finding Love Again
Suffice to say being a widow was devastating, and I was terrified of dating and going on apps. The director Kristin Hanggi said to me, “Don’t think of it as a place to find love or even just have sex, think of it as your next one-woman show.” How brilliant — I was just doing research! Somehow on OkCupid, research turned to love. A history professor named Dr. Robert Charles who had no idea who I was. Can you imagine?
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