Overview

Who wouldn't want sage yet sassy advice from the ghost of their dead cat? It's 1987 and New York actor/singer/waiter Matthew is struggling to restart his career, regain a sense of optimism, and open himself up to dating in the aftermath of his lover's death from AIDS-all with the spiritual guidance of his recently deceased cat, Hobo. Life is uncertain in this turbulent era of the '80s, as the gay community is reeling from the onslaught of AIDS and struggling with the government's lack of support. After some missteps seeking love in all the wrong places, will Hobo's lessons for Matt on how to believe in himself and in his ability to find love lead to romance once again? Will his ability to find love, lead to romance once again? Can he get his career back on track if he auditions for a new and timely show? Will he find his voice on the grand stage and realize his dream of making it to Broadway? Find out in this journey of discovery- a sweet and entertaining valentine of a yarn.

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9781955826594

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Reviews

"""For actor/cater waiter Matthew McKinney, New York in 1987 is more ""Big Crapple"" than ""Big Apple."" He lost his lover to AIDS eighteen months ago, and has just had to put Hobo, their rescue cat, down. Hobo has her own plans; she won't cross the Rainbow Bridge until Matt gets his professional and personal acts together. This feline shrink has Matt's back at auditions for a new Broadway musical and vegetarian meals with Christopher, a skittish modern dancer ""like a field of fresh clover""-and everywhere else from The Townhouse and The Saint to The Pines and the Paper Mill Playhouse. Arsenault traces Matt's journey back to the land of the living with wit, charm, and a hard-won knowledge of how creating art is its own lifeline. A Cat in the Act is a wonderful book."" -James Magruder, author of Vamp Until Ready""A Cat in the Act is a fascinating and beautifully written mixture of whimsy and reality, immortality and death, and the charms of karma. All of it set in New York's theatrical community during the AIDS crisis; it is a mirror-like remembrance for those who lived through it and an eye-opening and open-hearted introduction for those who did not. Highly recommended."" -Dan T. Shaheen, Tony(R) award-winning theatre producer""Brian Arsenault's first novel is an uplifting read, a work peopled with unforgettable queer characters who find in each other the love and support of a family. They tell a story that will have you laughing, crying, and wanting to get up and dance all at once!"" -El�as Miguel Mu�oz, author of The Greatest Performance and Encore! Encore!""Brian takes us through a beautiful, sweet journey of love, self-discovery, and redemption in a time when the gay community was in the midst of a plague. His protagonist, Matthew, battles his way through the AIDS crisis, a career crisis, and his own crisis of self to get to a place where his heart can again love freely and where his artistry can breathe once more."" -Jack Kenny, TV series Creator & Showrunner"

Author Information

"Brian Arsenault was born and raised in California, receiving a BA in Theater Arts from UC Santa Cruz. Following graduation, Brian headed to New York City, where he spent the next 10 years singing and dancing professionally. He appeared in ""Fiddler on the Roof"" on Broadway at the Gershwin Theater, ""Up Against It"" off-Broadway at The Public Theater, Carousel at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and numerous road shows of National and International musical touring companies. Brian also danced with The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, and performed in regional and stock theaters around the county. His favorite role was performing Che in the musical ""Evita"" at the Diamond Head Theater in Honolulu, HI. Upon leaving show business, Brian found a rewarding second career helping others when he transitioned into Personal Fitness training. He also became an accomplished yoga instructor, leading retreats in Costa Rica, California, and Florida. A Cat in the Act is Brian's first novel. It has inspired him to continue writing, bringing characters to life through his storytelling. He lives in beautiful Pawleys Island, SC, with his husband, Skip, and their two cats-Pippy and Linus."

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