Raconteur John Waters Bringing "This Filthy World" to the Ridgefield Playhouse

Ridgefield, CT, April 24, 2009 --(PR.com)-- It started as a documentary directed by fan and fellow actor/comedian Jeff Garlin and now it is a one man stage show, “This Filthy World” with John Waters let’s you get into the head of the great, albeit quirky, director- a very interesting place to be indeed. He emerges from a confessional onto a stage littered with trash. He tells stories. After a few about his childhood and early influences, he roughly follows the chronology of his career as a film director, relating anecdotes about the making of each film and letting those stories lead him to riffs on other topics. Gay references and wry observations about people's foibles and limits are constants. Waters' looks, too, are the butt of his jokes and of course there’s always audience participation with a question and answer section. This “Pope of Trash” with his “This Filthy World” lecture/performance is coming to The Ridgefield Playhouse on Friday, May 15 at 8 p.m. in a partnership with the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum. WFUV 90.7 fm is the media sponsor. After the show there will be a cocktail reception and meet and greet with Mr. Waters at the Aldrich Museum.

Two of John Waters’ films were adapted for the stage—“Hairspray” (which was then adapted for a new film) and “Cry-Baby.” “Hairspray” won eight Tony Awards. Before that Waters made his first “celluloid atrocity,” “Multiple Maniacs,” telling the story of Lady Divine and her lover, proprietors of a freak show. Then came, “Pink Flamingos,” a smash success at midnight screenings, (and soon after “Polyester,” “Hairspray,” “Cry-Baby,” “Serial Mom,” “Cecil B. Demented”) screenings, which turned John Waters into a cult personality.

In his 1988 film, “Hairspray,” John Waters created a comedy extravaganza about star-struck teen-age celebrities. Starring in the film were the unknown Ricki Lake, Deborah Harry, Sonny Bono, Jerry Stiller, Pia Zadora and Ric Ocasek. “Cry-Baby,” a socially un-redeeming comedy was next, starring Johnny Depp. Although he has homes around the country, John Waters mainly resides in Baltimore, “Hairdo Capitol of the World,” where all his films are set. In addition to writing and directing films, Waters has written five books including, “Shock Value,” “Crackpot” and “Female Trouble.” Clearly he has something to say.

For tickets ($60/$55; $75 Gold Circle seating, which includes a post-show Meet and Greet at The Aldrich; there is a 10% discount to Aldrich and Playhouse members) and further information about The Ridgefield Playhouse, call the box office at 203-438-5795; tickets (other than Gold Circle) may be also purchased online at www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Playhouse is located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street.

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