st‘
SUMMIT
CHIROPRACTIC
Is pleased to announce Dr. Adam Apfelblat
as Associate Chiropractor
Disc Treatment • Traction Tables • X-rays
• Myofacial Trigger Point Therapy
• Strengthening Sr Stretching Rehabilitation Programs
• Pain Management Doctor Available
GEORGE VARGA
Copley News Service
n
edwig and the Angry Inch is,-,,,vithout doubt, the finest tragicomic film
ever made about an expatriate East German neo-glans rock singer
who is the victim of a botched sex-change operation.
I know, I know. Hedwig is the only tragicomic film (so far at least) about an
expatriate East German neo-glam rock singer, with or without a botched sex-
change operation.
But that's not what makes this "anatomically incorrect rock opera" turned
film such an impressive work.
Rather, it's the dazzling manner in which Hedwig addresses and transcends
its provocative subject matter, and how skillfully John Cameron Mitchell,
Hedwig's writer, director and star, simultaneously celebrates and assaults pop
culture in general and issues of sexuality and gender specifically:
His biting wit is offset by the tender insights he brings to Hedwig, an edgy,
eye-popping film that looks far richer than its $6 million budget. And the
vibrant songs by Stephen Trask make this an all-too-rare rock xi' roll film with
newly composed music memorable enough to stand on its OWTI.
A modern-day morality tale, Hedwig deftly tackles serious issues, many
cloaked in surrealistic garb. (Should David Bowie ever open a "Ziggy
Stardust" museum, the array of outlandish wigs and stage gear Mitchell dons
as "Hedwig" could fill a wing.)
But Mitchell deftly uses humor to provide balance. In one scene, Tommy
Gnosis, Hedwig's teen-aged lover/protege-turned nemesis, asks: Have you
accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior?" Arching an eyebrow, Hedwig
responds: "No, but I admire his work."
There's also a lot to admire in Hedwig, including Frank G. DeMarco's fine
camera work, designer Therese DePrez's startling sets, Emily Hubley's bold
animation and a good supporting cast. Mitchell's acting, directing and writing.
are strong enough to make Hedwig one of the most memorable film debuts in
years. * x:x 0 ii out of four
She toured 79 cities with the com-
pany — headed up by Theodore Bikel
as Tevye. Its first stop was at the Fisher
Theatre in Detroit.
"I couldn't believe it," says Shor,
whose drama teachers at Michigan
were "very discouraging" about the
statistical chances for a successful
career in show business.
"I go to New York, wind up with a
part right away and begin at the the-
ater I know best. Growing up, we
often went to see plays at the Fisher. I
was in heaven."
To prepare to play Yitzhak, Shor fol-
lowed men down the street and copied
how they moved. "I also used a mem-
ory of a guy from high school," she
reveals. "He wore a Merallica T-shirt
and big combat boots and he walked
down the hall with the air of, 'I don't
care what you think.' But of course, he
cared a lot."
Yitzhak also pretends not to care.
"He's decided that if he's not allowed
to be this fabulous drag queen, he'll be
the opposite," the actress explains. "If
he can't put on the eyelashes and the
rouge, he's not even going to shower."
Shor's performance was so flawless
that crew members and viewers gasped
when they discovered she was actually
a woman. "This hasn't been the easiest
time in my life to get a date," she
laments.
At least Hedwig has kicked her
career up a notch. This fall, Shor —
who played Cheryl on the ABC come-
dy Then Came You — will star as Julie
Herman in a new NBC sitcom, Inside
Schwartz, about a sportscaster whose
inner thoughts and fantasies are
revealed through personal conversa-
tions with sports figures.
"I'm making Julie Jewish," Shor pro-
claims. She also loves to tease Breckin
Meyer, the non-Jew who plays
Schwartz. "I'm always telling him, 'You
need to do more research,'" she says. ❑
— Freelance writer Alice Schzvei ger
contributed to this story.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch opens
today, exclusively at the
Landmark Main Art Theatre in
Royal Oak. (248) 542-0180.
"Dr. Gray's compassion and high quality
care makes referring patients to him a joy!"
Steven Rapp, M.D., Neurosurgeon
248
683 6
2801 Elizabeth Lake Rd, STE 100
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Dr. Burton Brodskym.D., P.L.C.
has opened a new office in Ferndale!
Obstetrics /Gynecology
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8/17
2001
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