Brush with genius.

I enjoyed Charles Kaiser's interview with the great Arthur Laurents ["Honest Arthur," June/July]. In 1983, I joined the Broadway company of La Cage, filling in for an injured actor. Also coming into the show was the actor Keith Michell, who replaced Gene Barry. The famously generous producers threw an "opening" party for Keith, and during the evening Arthur gravitated to the "supporting" performers crowd--and what stories!

Kaiser mentioned Arthur's statement regarding Katharine Hepburn's sense of humor, and I remember Arthur saying the same thing (along with a spot-on impression). He didn't say it to make less of her, to be mean, or to impress us; it was the truth to him. Believe me, I continued to be a Hepburn fan. She was not diminished in any way!

Arthur says the truth, for the right reasons. It may seem tough or out of place, but that isn't his problem. In his work, he sees the big picture, has solid respect for details, and is man enough to say what needs to be said.

And that's how he lives his life. Working with him was my only brush with genius, and I will always be grateful.

BRYCE WARD

Orlando, Fla.

Thanks for an issue that includes activists who would be considered mature: There are six columns for both Arthur Laurents and Roger Thomas ["The Man Behind the Strip"], as well as six pages on "Stonewall Stories." Now that's what I call balance.

Somehow, The Advocate has advanced beyond eye candy!

BOB GEARY

Portland, Ore.