Leslie Jordan and Del Shores have collaborated countless times over the years, but ironically they’ve never shared a stage in the ATL. That changes when the duo – both gay – appear together on Nov. 23 as part of “A Sordid Soiree,” benefiting AID Atlanta.
Then, on Sunday, Nov. 24, enjoy more stories with the duo at Lips Atlanta during its Gospel Brunch at 12:30 p.m.
The Emmy Award winning actor (“Will and Grace”) met the playwright/director well over two decades ago, when Jordan came in to audition for Shores’ play “Cheating.” Shores remembers that the actor cracked him up at a line reading and they’ve been professional and personal colleagues since. The dynamics have changed over time, though – when they met Shores was engaged to a woman (Jordan would be his best man at the wedding) but later came out.
“When I told my therapist I was gay I was told to tell a friend I could trust – and the first person was Leslie,” recalls Shores. They also share similar backgrounds and family members similar in characteristics.
Shores’ “Sordid Lives,” of course, became a cult film, especially in the gay community, with Jordan starring as Brother Boy. Jordan was also in the “Sordid Lives” television series and most recently in Shores’ film adaptation of this play “Southern Baptist Sissies.”
As part of “Soiree,” Shores will tell stories for one hour and Jordan the next. Shores won’t really know what his material will be until closer in, although he has a funny Swinging Richards story he will tell for the first time.
Jordan, too, is known for having plenty to discuss. “At this point in my career, I can just get on stage and talk for 45 minutes,” he says. Shores spent some time in Atlanta recently premiering “Sissies” as part of Out On Film and then as a grand marshal for Atlanta Pride. It’s one of his favorite places – and behind Dallas, the second largest Shores fan base.
“People here really relate,” he says.
The two men stay in touch, although face to face meetings are getting rarer as they travel and perform throughout the year. Luckily, “Leslie has just discovered text messaging,” says Shores.
After “Soiree,” Shores will be getting “Sissies” ready for a theatrical release and planning a “Sordid” sequel reuniting some of the original cast members.
Besides his touring shows and film work, Jordan is in “American Horror Story: Coven.” He says it’s been a great experience, getting to work with actresses such as Jessica Lange and Frances Conroy.
“I looked on the set and there was also Patti Lupone and Christine Ebersole,” he laughs. He gets his script daily so he’s still trying to make sense of it all, although he calls his character something of a warlock.