Reflecting On A Pair Of American Icons

Leonard Bernstein and Tennessee Williams: Both were world-famous, gay, and profoundly affected their art forms, and both had significant anniversaries in 2008 (Lenny’s 90th birthday, the 25th anniversary of Tennessee’s death). But Bernstein received big celebrations in major classical music centers, while Williams got “small, gay-themed affairs in places like Provincetown and Glasgow.” Why the difference?