John Waters Helps Put The "X" Back in X-mas
By Michele Lenni in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 13, 2010 8:20PM
Image via eastvalleytribune.com
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland Waters' fascination with exploitation and Grindhouse films led him to create some of the most transgressive cult films of the past 50 years, such as his aptly named Trash Trilogy of films, which includes Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble and Desperate Living. During the '80s and '90s Waters began a stream of mainstream hits that transformed his trashy aesthetic into mainstream cinema fare with films like Hairspray (later transformed into a Broadway and then film musical starring John Travolta) and Cry Baby starring then 21 Jump Street heartthrob, Johnny Depp. Over the years we've come to love Waters and his irrepressible tawdry wit. The film geeks here at Chicagoist always look forward to whatever over-the-top vehicle he chooses to express his characteristic trashy and exploitative vision he brings to light.
When we heard that Waters was taking his love of all things contemptible and putting them into a one-man-show, A John Waters Christmas, at The Harris Theater, we were beyond excited. When we heard that the title of this particular spectacle was his chance to put his sleazy spin on holiday customs, his opportunity to express his compulsions, desires and stories of the season, including his urge to give and receive inappropriate gifts, and of course his look at the man himself, Santa Claus, we ran to grab tickets immediately. If you are looking for window into Waters contemptuous view a of the season, then be sure and catch him at the Harris tomorrow night.
A John Waters Christmas premieres at The Harris Theater Tuesday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. As of this post tickets were sold out, we were informed that more may become available later in the day