Hollywood Beat
08-16-04
We were advised to wear big hair to the premiere of Hairspray at the Pantages Theatre, but nobody could compete with the “Mother of Them All” comic Bruce Vilanch, who portrays Edna Turnblad in this stellar production. Vilanch has written for every televised awards show including the “Quadruple Crown” (Oscars, Emmys, Tonys and Grammys), and for the most popular performers of our time. You can count on him to ad lib with current local quips at every performance, and he sure has a lot of material to work with here in L.A.
Marissa Jaret Winokur, who is piled bouffant-high with talent and enthusiasm, portrays Vilanch’s cosmetically challenged daughter, and proves that nice gals can finish first. The award winning actress just signed with New Line Cinema to star in and produce the romantic comedy feature Always a Bridesmaid. If it is anything like the cult film, Muriel’s Wedding, we know it will be a hoot.
Some of the other standout performers include Jordan Ballard, as Winokur’s nerdy sidekick, and Charlotte Crossley, as “Motormouth Maybelle,” who calls herself the “world’s oldest living Harlette” (Bette Midler’s legendry back up group).
You have until Sept. 4 to purchase tickets to Broadway’s big fat musical comedy hit. So purchase your bottle of Aquanet, and come on down!
