Arts & Literature
![Randy Rainbow - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B09G78LKDJ.jpg)
Playing with Myself
An intimate and light-hearted memoir by viral sensation and three-timeEmmy-nominated musical comedian Randy Rainbow that takes readers through his life―the highs, the lows, the lipstick, the pink glasses, and the show tunes.
Randy Rainbow, the man who conquered the Internet with a stylish pair of pink glasses, an inexhaustible knowledge of Broadway musicals, and the most gimlet-eyed view of American politics this side of Mark Twain finally tells all in Playing with Myself, a memoir sure to cause more than a few readers to begin singing one of his greatest hits like "A Spoonful of Clorox" or "Cover Your Freakin' Face."
As Randy has said, "There's so much fake news out there about me. I can't wait to set the record straight and finally give people a peek behind the green screen." And set the record straight he does. Playing with Myself is a first-hand account of the journey that led Randy Rainbow from his childhood as the over-imaginative, often misunderstood little boy who carried a purse in the second grade to his first job on Broadway as the host at Hooters and on to the creation of his trademark comedy character. In chapters titled "Pajama Bottoms" (a look back at the days when he wore pajama bottoms on his head to pretend he was Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz), "Yes, It's My Real Name, Shut Up!" (no explanation necessary...) and "Pink Glasses" (a rose-colored homage to his favorite accessory), Playing with Myself is a memoir that answers the question "Can an introverted musical theatre nerd with a MacBook and a dream save the world, one show tune at a time?"
Randy Rainbow, the man who conquered the Internet with a stylish pair of pink glasses, an inexhaustible knowledge of Broadway musicals, and the most gimlet-eyed view of American politics this side of Mark Twain finally tells all in Playing with Myself, a memoir sure to cause more than a few readers to begin singing one of his greatest hits like "A Spoonful of Clorox" or "Cover Your Freakin' Face."
As Randy has said, "There's so much fake news out there about me. I can't wait to set the record straight and finally give people a peek behind the green screen." And set the record straight he does. Playing with Myself is a first-hand account of the journey that led Randy Rainbow from his childhood as the over-imaginative, often misunderstood little boy who carried a purse in the second grade to his first job on Broadway as the host at Hooters and on to the creation of his trademark comedy character. In chapters titled "Pajama Bottoms" (a look back at the days when he wore pajama bottoms on his head to pretend he was Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz), "Yes, It's My Real Name, Shut Up!" (no explanation necessary...) and "Pink Glasses" (a rose-colored homage to his favorite accessory), Playing with Myself is a memoir that answers the question "Can an introverted musical theatre nerd with a MacBook and a dream save the world, one show tune at a time?"
Editorial Reviews
"I was already a big fan of Randy's commentary on American celebrity and culture. Always smart, always wickedly funny, with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek. I waited, as we all did, for his next target. Then he asked me to sing with him. His target, Donald Trump. Oh joy! I went to his apartment and met a shy, handsome young guy who just happens to have this enormous talent. It was a joyful two hours. I left his home with a huge smile and lots of swag. I wait patiently now, as we all do, for his next video that will make me laugh, make me feel not so alone in my thinking, make me wonder in awe at the audacious force of nature that is Randy Rainbow."
―Patti LuPone
"Discovering Randy is one of my happiest memories. I don't toss around the word ‘genius' often, but there's no other word to describe him. After being in touch with each other, I'm thrilled to call him my friend. He's as nice as he is talented. Wow." ―Carol Burnett
"Brilliant . . . as good as anyone writing lyrics today." ―Stephen Sondheim
"I fall in love with Randy Rainbow a little bit more with each new video. Brilliant! And that voice!" ―RuPaul
"Randy Rainbow is so damn important." ―Lin Manuel Miranda
"A rollicking debut . . . packed with well-timed zingers . . . Rainbow's gift for striking a well-honed phrase will have readers cackling. Fans are sure to be heartened and tickled by this entertaining account." ―Publishers Weekly
"Buoyant and campy throughout, Rainbow's revelations and lighthearted banter will entertain fans and newbies alike. A chatty autobiography brimming with heart and humor."
―Kirkus Reviews
"Filled with the kind of anecdotes that anyone raised on a steady diet of Sex and the City and Broadway musicals will eat up with a spoon, Rainbow's memoir is pure, indulgent fun. Fans of Rainbow (there are millions, and they include big-name celebs, presidential candidates, and Broadway superstars) will want this book immediately, as will anyone who enjoys a good, dishy celebrity memoir." ―Booklist (starred)
―Patti LuPone
"Discovering Randy is one of my happiest memories. I don't toss around the word ‘genius' often, but there's no other word to describe him. After being in touch with each other, I'm thrilled to call him my friend. He's as nice as he is talented. Wow." ―Carol Burnett
"Brilliant . . . as good as anyone writing lyrics today." ―Stephen Sondheim
"I fall in love with Randy Rainbow a little bit more with each new video. Brilliant! And that voice!" ―RuPaul
"Randy Rainbow is so damn important." ―Lin Manuel Miranda
"A rollicking debut . . . packed with well-timed zingers . . . Rainbow's gift for striking a well-honed phrase will have readers cackling. Fans are sure to be heartened and tickled by this entertaining account." ―Publishers Weekly
"Buoyant and campy throughout, Rainbow's revelations and lighthearted banter will entertain fans and newbies alike. A chatty autobiography brimming with heart and humor."
―Kirkus Reviews
"Filled with the kind of anecdotes that anyone raised on a steady diet of Sex and the City and Broadway musicals will eat up with a spoon, Rainbow's memoir is pure, indulgent fun. Fans of Rainbow (there are millions, and they include big-name celebs, presidential candidates, and Broadway superstars) will want this book immediately, as will anyone who enjoys a good, dishy celebrity memoir." ―Booklist (starred)
Readers Top Reviews
David BratmanBeverly
Delightful! If you enjoy Randy Rainbow's videos (and who doesn't?) this is the book for you. The only problem is, I kept running to YouTube to find videos mentioned which I had missed. Which led me to re-watching others as well.
Kindle
Thanks for the laughter during TFG years and thru the first years of the pandemic! Thanks for being you! Kudos!
Georgette Cito
Admiring celebrities is an interesting part of life. I remind myself, 'they're only people who make news'. Some celebrities are not worth the time. Randy Rainbow is a special person!! This world needs more people like him...many more. I won't waste time with a book review...if you have seen even one of Randy's videos, well, you know....his autobiography, is unforgettable!!!! Do you want to laugh? I started laughing on page three, aloud, and didn't stop!!! The Rachel Maddow made me laugh so much I couldn't keep my eyes open, to keep reading! I also cried the ugly cry, and I wish I could hug Randy!!! I just love him!!! Do you want to laugh?
Maggiemae
I could not put this book down. Randy's writing flows like a Nora Ephron story. Ok, there's no romantic happy ending - yet - but it’s full of humor and heart, with plenty of heartbreak and joy to balance things out. I’ve been a fan for some time - his humor has seen me through some rough years - and now I understand better why he's so good at making lemonade out of lemons. He seems to have been literally born to bring joy and humor. Also, we get a glimpse of Randy’s mom's life. She did a stellar job of raising a queer child, under really challenging circumstances. I take my hat off to her. The audiobook had the added benefit of being read by Randy himself, making the story all the more personal.
Diane Dobry
I laughed out loud for the first few chapters of Randy's book--which I sat down and listened to right away. The fact that he is telling it in his voice, with his wry wit and his expressiveness for each character and situation makes it so worth listening to his story, rather than reading (iMO). Plus I leaved so much about him that I had not heard before. He is so open and honest in his story, and I want to listen to it again to get the things I may have missed. He was born for his brand of entertainment and humor and he is finally coming into his own. this story tells about his (not always very smooth) journey to get there, but he does not get morose about things in the least. He is more reflective and analytical about his past situations and I have not sensed any "poor me," emotions, even if he may have been hurt. He was lucky to have a great mom and grandma who bolstered him, and knew his personality well, and did not try to steer him in another direction from what his best qualities and interests were. Such a fun read.
