Why is John Travolta in drag in "Hairspray?"

[Imzadi]

I have Hairspray on in the background, so I'm not really paying attention. Why is John Travolta in drag? And do the people in the story know he's in drag, or do they think he's a woman?

 

[koolaidmoms]

John Travolta is playing a character, a woman - Mrs. Turnblad, in the movie. See the original John Water's version with Davine as Mrs. Turnblad. It is fabulous.

 

[Imzadi]

Ah, John Waters... Davine. Makes perfect sense now.

Thanks!

 

[SydneyBristow]

I really enjoyed the new version of Hairspray.

 

[NotUrsula]

The character of Edna Turnblad (a female character who is a VERY large woman with a very "mannish" voice) has always been played by a man in Hairspray, from the original movie, to the stage version, and back to the second movie.

The original Edna was the (in)famous drag star Divine. Harvey Fierstein played her on Broadway, and now Travolta. Actors like the challenge of believably putting across drag roles; see Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie and Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire. (George Wendt [from Cheers] has done the role on Broadway, too. I really have a hard time imagining him as a plausible female.)

 

[CourtasanSatine]

I just drooled over James Marsden aka Corny Collins and Cyclops.

 

[Imzadi]

The original Edna was the (in)famous drag star Divine. Harvey Fierstein played her on Broadway, and now Travolta. Actors like the challenge of believably putting across drag roles; see Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie and Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire. (George Wendt [from Cheers] has done the role on Broadway, too. I really have a hard time imagining him as a plausible female.)

Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie

Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire

George Wendt [from Cheers] has done the role on Broadway, too.

I really have a hard time imagining him as a plausible female.

Me too.

I just drooled over James Marsden aka Corny Collins and Cyclops.

 

[Soarin08]

The character of Edna Turnblad (a female character who is a VERY large woman with a very "mannish" voice) has always been played by a man in Hairspray, from the original movie, to the stage version, and back to the second movie.

The original Edna was the (in)famous drag star Divine. Harvey Fierstein played her on Broadway, and now Travolta. Actors like the challenge of believably putting across drag roles; see Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie and Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire. (George Wendt [from Cheers] has done the role on Broadway, too. I really have a hard time imagining him as a plausible female.)

Yup! I was about to post that same thing almost verbatim.

Hairspray is my favorite musical EVER!!! I didn't care for John Waters' version as much. I like the new one with Nikki Blonsky better. I loved Deborah Harry in Waters' version though. That's the main reason I watched it.

 

[scrump]

I also love the new version of Hairspray!

 

[npmommie]

The new version is good...I just finally saw it!.... I love the original john waters movie! there is no one like Divine!

 

[yeartolate]

John Travolta is playing a character, a woman - Mrs. Turnblad, in the movie. See the original John Water's version with Davine as Mrs. Turnblad. It is fabulous.

That actually is Devine, not Devane.

Harris Milstead was his given name.

May he rest in peace.

 

[Laurabearz]

 

[MushyMushy]

The only thing I've ever seen Divine in was Pink Flamingos.





Nuff said.

 

[ConcKahuna]

The only thing I've ever seen Divine in was Pink Flamingos.





Nuff said.

Of all the movies to see!

Of course Female Trouble is nearly as bad. Polyester was a good one, and tame for John Waters

Edit: Did you know that Divine was also the car salesman in the origional Hairspray?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Travolta was excellent btw.... Really, really, believable as a woman.

 

[ConcKahuna]

Travolta was excellent btw.... Really, really, believable as a woman.

The only thing about him I hated was that accent. I couldn't tell if he was from St. Paul, Georgia or Atlanta, Minnesotta!

 

[OrlandoMike]

There are quite a few cameo appearances in the newest version of Hairspray....


Jerry Stiller as Mr. Pinky (Wilbur Turnblad in the original film)

Ricki Lake as William Morris Talent Agent #1, (Audio) performs "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now" (Tracy Turnblad in the original film)

Adam Shankman as William Morris Talent Agent #2 (choreographer and director of the film)

Marc Shaiman as William Morris Talent Agent #3 (co-lyricist and music writer of the film)

Scott Wittman as William Morris Talent Agent #4 (co-lyricist and music writer of the film)

John Waters as the "flasher who lives next door" (writer and director of the original film)

Mink Stole as the smoking woman on the street whom Waters flashes (Tammy in the original film). She is also seen in the musical number, Welcome to the 60's.

Corey Reynolds (Audio) as singer of "Trouble on the Line" (Original Broadway Cast's Seaweed)

Harvey Fierstein (Audio) as brief singing cameo in the end credits "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now" (Original Broadway Cast's Edna)

Marissa Jaret Winokur (Audio) performs "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now" (Original Broadway Cast's Tracy)