Bouncing and Behaving

Comments (0) By Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik Thursday, Feb 16 2006

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Film director John Waters shocked audiences with his controversial Pink Flamingos and Desperate Living, and established a unique cinematic voice in the process. He used that voice to its greatest advantage when he created Hairspray, the 1988 feel good flick that won the pencil mustached movie man his greatest success to date. The movie that launched Ricki Lake’s career was made into a Broadway musical in 2002 and has played to packed houses ever since. The touring production of this acclaimed play is coming to the Jackie Gleason Theater to spread retro vibrations of acceptance all over town.

Since its debut, Hairspray has featured famous faces. Harvey Fierstein and Bruce Vilanch got dolled up in drag to play Edna Turnblad. Now another Hollywood Squares alum, Jim J. Bullock, is part of the show. The flamboyant actor first played the irrepressible Monroe in the Eighties sitcom Too Close for Comfort and then shared his refreshing views on the world in the short lived The Jim J. and Tammy Faye Show. Bullock will play Wilbur Turnblad, the patriarch of the Turnblad family, a role he initially balked at. “I mean, I’m gay! And I’m playing a straight dad!” he laughs. “But it’s been a great opportunity for me to prove my range. Look at Brokeback Mountain. Straight guys play gay all the time.”

Bullock is proud to be part of a play that spreads a message of love and acceptance. “This is a perfect marriage for me, because it’s such a joy machine. That’s kind of what I’m all about. That’s my gift from God, the joy that I’ve been able to impart to others,” he explains. See Jim J. in Hairspray tonight at 8:00. The show will run from February 21 to 26. Tickets range from $20 to $65. Call 305-358-5885, or visit www.gleasontheater.com.
Feb. 21-26