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 VVaterford CATERING FOR ALL AFFAIRS D E LITERy Tues-Thurs I 1-9:30 Fri & Sat I 1-10:30 Sun 12-9:30 r „ 0, 11/ 'off ! 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