Mister D: Once again Mister V…congrats. We are all anxious to see you and wish you the best of luck. With any luck I’ll get to see the performance at the premiere in Baltimore….God knows it won’t come to Nashville unless they put some “twang” into it:-) Just kidding…I love Nashville….hope you can make it here, too…Anyway…get my room ready Stevie!!!!!!…LOL…Also, here’s hoping his gal pal Bette will be at the premiere, too….
Archerd: Funnyman Vilanch in close shave
Mon Feb 3, 9:16 PM ET
By Army Archerd, Daily Variety Senior Columnist
HOLLYWOOD (Variety) – The role of Edna Turnblad in the national touring company of “Hairspray” will be played by — Bruce Vilanch.
He will make a personal sacrifice to play the role. He’ll part with a close friend of 32 years — his signature beard. He bows Sept. 9 in Baltimore, the hometown of John Waters (news), on whose film the Broadway tuner starring Harvey Fierstein (news) is based. Vilanch and Fierstein are “old pals.”
Vilanch originally grew his beard after being forced to have a three-day growth of beard co-starring in the movie “Rocco in Chicago” with Marcello Mastroianni and Lauren Hutton (news). “I just got tired of shaving,” Vilanch sez.
The unveiling will take place around July 27 as he readies “to get in character” for the role. Thus he’ll be seen as usual around Oscar time — he’s a member of the impressive armada of writers working with producer Gil Cates and inimitable host Steve Martin (news).
Vilanch is no stranger to the stage, having worked in summer stock with Talullah Bankhead, and more recently in his one-man show Off B’way, “Bruce Vilanch: Almost Famous.” Plus “Bruce: A Month of Mondays” on the Beverly Hills boards. And no, he will not part with his moptop coiffure, since he’ll be wigged for the role.” If every woman in Hollywood can do it, why not?” he asks as he readies for Edna.
