Album Notes

“The songs by Freddie and Wilhemina Paulin are good...strong...”
- Tommi Avicolli, Philadelphia Gay News

MOM, I’M GAY! – a musical comedy about one mother’s vain pursuit to find a husband for her lesbian daughter was first performed back in 1987 at the Walnut Street Theatre 5 in Philadelphia, PA to rave reviews. This musical comedy takes on homophobia with humorous dialogue and songs that are bold, brazen and as relevant to today’s often painful coming out experiences as it was during its first run in Philadelphia and off-Broadway. Wilhemina A. Paulin, playwright and co-producer, said the MOM, I’M GAY!, cast album was produced after being bombarded with requests to make the songs available for fans to purchase. These songs celebrate being out and proud while also reflecting on the ignorance of biblical homophobia which is heard in the mother’s song: “Fire And Brimstone.”

The cast album favorites include “Secret,” the first song sung by Heather Henderson who masterfully portrays the leading role of Sugar. While this song encompasses an up-tempo, mesmerizing, funky beat and lyrics of Sugar’s proclamation to having “a secret” and desire to “come out” with her lady love while proudly singing: “I don’t want to be a secret any more. Baby, it’s you that I adore.” This song represents the desires of many people from the queer communities who are hiding their identity. Heather’s sassy voice commands attention and delivers in true diva vocal styling.

The theme song, “Mom, I’m Gay!” which has been coined the bold new anthem of the gay community, is also masterfully sung by Heather Henderson. She touches many nerves and funny bones when she sings:

Mom, I’m gay...
I tried it straight
It wasn’t great
In fact I nearly died.

Other stand out songs that are consistently well received includes “Dash of Sugar.” Curtis Lassiter, who portrays the character of James - a flaming drag queen hiding under a boring gray suit, is asked: “Are you gay?” His first reply is: “Oh, I’m happy most of the time.” After a few other humorous replies playing on gay adjectives, he sings: “There’s a dash of sugar in every man’s pie. I guess there might be much more in mine.” This song and character consistently steals the show as a humorous performance piece that colors the listeners’ imagination with bold reds and scandalous overtones.

Another song which touches many theatergoers is titled “I Want You To Know.” This song, which has been coined the “tear jerker” at the end of the play represents Mom’s desire to heal the hurt she has inflicted on her daughter when stating: “All homosexuals are criminals.” Mom’s ignorance is reflected in many other offensive statements and actions. Mom, later seeks forgiveness for being homophobic and acknowledges that:

Everyone must live their own life.
Everyone has a right to be....
I want you to know I love you and I care.
And whenever you need me I’ll be there...


“When we first did MOM, I’M GAY! we were ahead of our time. This was long before Ellen DeGeneres came out on national TV. Now we’re being told that this is the time when MOM, I’M GAY! can make the greatest impact and reach a diversified audience,” said Paulin, a former columnist, jingle writer, and jazz and blues singer. “Though you will never see me in a picket line with my bad feet marching, you can see my advocacy and activism in MOM, I’M GAY! Writing this play has been my gift from God. Indeed, this is the cast album I’ve dreamed and prayed for.”