It was a rare moment of relaxation for this legendary actor, dancer, singer and choreographer and openly gay superstar who's in town and starring at the Alliance Theatre in David Mamet's two-man show, A Life in the Theatre.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland and educated in the city's public schools, De Shields burst on the scene in 1975 when he originated the role of the Wiz in the Broadway production of The Wiz.

He has since gone on to make his mark in other Broadway and regional theatre productions including Ain't Misbehavin',

And just for the record - Mr. De Shields is still fabulous - even at the "tender" age of 63 and says he "ain't done yet."

"I had the great fortune of knowing from the moment that I was evicted from my mother's womb, that I wanted to be in the theater world," he said.

"My destiny was etched in my chromosomes and there was no other desire or dream for me.My wish was always to be a performing artist."

When asked if there was a particular time or place when he was sure about

"I was watching the film Cabin in the Sky [the all-black musical released by MGM in 1943] and was marveling over the world-class actors that starred in it - Lena Horne, Ethel Waters and Louis Armstrong were the big names I guess.

But John Bubbles is the actor that really inspired me [Bubbles was the stage name of John William Sublett, known as the father of "rhythm tap" who Gershwin invited to create the role of Sportin' Life in Porgy and Bess].

He did this jitterbug number with Ethel Waters and it was magical.  When I saw Bubbles do his thing that small voice that we often ignore said that is what I was going to do one day."

And for over 40 years, De Shields has continued to listen to that "still small voice" inside - a voice that has guided him as he has perfected his craft, taken chances and suffered occasional blows of criticism to reach a level of excellence in both theater and television as an actor, choreographer and singer about which many actors can only dream..

"That voice inside confirms the work that I am doing right now at the Alliance Theatre, constantly pushing me to be the best and the most brilliant actor and director I can be," he said.

"I am so grateful to be on my chosen path and that I was not distracted from hearing it as so many are in their lives.

"De Shields stars with Ariel Shafir in Mamet's work in an emotionally-charged play that his critics say is guaranteed to keep audiences breathless as it examines the relationship between two actors - both on and off the stage. De Shields agrees, adding that preparing for his role has pushed him into unexplored territory.

"I have been in Atlanta since the end of October, enjoying this beautiful city as much as I can, given the fact that for most of my hours I have been locked in the theater," he said.

"My family has checked in on me and made sure I had enough to eat. 

They still say I'm just a skinny boy. In terms of the play, I believe theater begins when we are moved outside of our comfort zone.

Working on this play has really kicked my butt - it's been challenging. But that means I have been forced to stretch and so I am growing and I enjoy that.

You must grow in this business to be successful."

When asked about the challenge of performing in a two-man show, De Shields candidly remarked that it is definitely more difficult when the spotlight is only on you and one other character.

That means you have to hit the note exactly - there's no room for paraphrasing. You have to hit the bull's eye; otherwise you are not creating the music that he wrote.

When there are only two actors on stage the relationship is like the sun and the moon with one shining because he is reflecting the other's light.

I think this metaphor could be extended to life as well because when we face problems and then find the answer that solves them, the yoke is lifted."

And while he acknowledges the significance of landing the role of the Wiz and its New York City opening in 1975 when "the color line was finally blurred on Broadway," he says that he sees other dreams coming true because of his newly-forged relationship with the Alliance Theatre.

"It catapulted me to national recognition and established me as a bona fide player in the game.

But you have to remember that I am older now and making the transition in this industry can be difficult because you often get pigeonholed.

I have always thought of myself as a performing artist and a playwright and the Alliance is giving me the opportunity to do both without the usual hurdles and potholes."