Phat Girls

Few things are more revolting than the thought of John Travolta in drag and a fat suit. Thankfully, he doesn't play chubby '60s-era mama Edna Turnblad in the touring production of Hairspray, which comes to Lawrence tonight. The play was adapted from the movie — the original cult classic, not the lame Travolta-starring remake. Ricki Lake, who didn't need a fat suit, played Tracy Turnblad in the 1988 original, which was written and directed by John Waters. The script was inspired by Waters' own experience watching televised teenage dance parties in Baltimore — parties that came to an abrupt halt at the prospect of racial integration. Unfortunately, Waters didn't direct the theatrical version of Hairspray, but he was a creative consultant. That surely means the musical comedy is tons of fun. The curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. at the Lied Center of Kansas (1600 Stewart Drive in Lawrence, 785-864-3469). Tickets cost $49, or $25 for children and KU students.
Thu., Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m., 2007