Edna Turnblad

Last updated
Edna Turnblad
First appearance Hairspray
Created by John Waters
Portrayed by Divine (Original film)
Harvey Fierstein (Musical)
John Travolta (Musical film)
In-universe information
GenderFemale
Occupation Laundress
SpouseWilbur Turnblad
ChildrenTracy Turnblad (daughter)
NationalityAmerican

Edna Turnblad is a fictional character from the 1988 film Hairspray and its stage musical adaption of the same name, as well as its film and television adaptations.

Contents

Edna is a laundress living in Baltimore with her husband Wilbur and mother of Tracy, the plot's protagonist. She comments heavily on her insecurities related to her weight, even bringing up her diet pills several times throughout the musical adaptation. The character is most well-known for being portrayed by a man in drag, with Edna's originator being Harris Glenn Milstead, a drag queen best known by his stage name "Divine."

Character description

Music Theatre International, the licensing company that holds the rights for the musical, describes Edna as "Tracy's loving mother who doesn't spend much time outside the house. She works days and nights as a laundress in her home, and her lack of social interaction has made her a bundle of nerves." [1]

The chapter "Embracing excess: The queer feminist power of musical theatre diva roles," in Michelle Dvoskin's Studies in Musical Theatre notes that Edna's drag portrayal "...adds queerness to the musical, which has no gay characters" and that the traditional standards of femininity, as well as diva roles in theatre, are challenged by the portrayal and eventual acceptance of the character's body type and size. [2]

Portrayals

Original film

In Hairspray's first iteration, the 1988 comedy film written and directed by John Waters, Edna was played by drag queen, actor, and singer, Divine. Originally, Waters had plans for Divine to play both Edna and Tracy, though eventually the idea was scrapped. [3] However, Divine does also play Arvin Hodgepile, the racist television station manager out of drag. When describing the role, Divine noted that with this character he could not be accurately described as a drag queen, proclaiming "What drag queen would allow herself to look like this? I look like half the women from Baltimore." [4]

Hairspray was Divine's last feature film, as he died three weeks after its premiere and only nine days after its theatrical release. He received widespread acclaim for the role, with critics proposing that with Hairspray, Divine finally broke into the mainstream world of film. He later received a posthumous nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male. [5] In addition, Divine's groundbreaking performance as Edna is the inspiration for the continued casting of men in the role of Tracy's mother.

Musical adaptation

Edna was originated on Broadway in Hairspray's 2002 musical adaptation by actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein after premiering the role in the show's out-of-town tryout at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. Fierstein is known for his distinctly gravelly baritone voice type, adding another level of humor to his portrayal. Fierstein did not play the role for the entirety of its over six year Broadway run, but he, as well as Marissa Jaret Winokur who originated the role of Tracy, returned to the show for its last months of performances at the Neil Simon Theatre.

Fierstein's performance was highly praised by critics, with the Daily News ' Howard Kissel noting that "With this role, Fierstein places himself in the great line of Broadway divas." [6] His performance also earned him the 2003 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, as well as the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical.

Other notable portrayals of Edna onstage include Michael Ball in the show's West End premiere, as well as Michael McKean, Bruce Vilanch, John Pinette, Paul C. Vogt, George Wendt, Brian Conley, Phill Jupitus, Trevor Ashley, Nina West, and Shane Jacobson.

Musical film

From the early developmental stages of the 2007 musical film adaptation of Hairspray, John Travolta was in talks to play Edna on screen by executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. [7] Once Travolta was confirmed in the role, Tory Gardner and his company Alterian, Inc. were hired to design and create Edna's look (including a fat suit consisting of layered pads and silicone, used from the chest upwards and foam latex arms and legs), [8] collaborating with costume designer Rita Ryack, who shared Travolta's wishes to put Edna into several revealing outfits and give her body a defined figure. [9]

Travolta's interpretation of the role had a heavy Baltimore accent (also fought for by the actor) and was an overall lighter portrayal of Edna. He received mixed reviews for his portrayal, with Slate 's Dana Stevens going as far to say that "How you feel about Hairspray will depend entirely on your reaction to this performance..." [10] David Denby of The New Yorker called Travolta's portrayal a "Blandly earnest betrayal," [11] while some called his performance, and him by relation, outright homophobic. [12] Despite this, Travolta was nominated for several awards including the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture. [13]

Live musical television film

Fierstein returned to the role of Edna in the 2016 live television adaptation of the musical, Hairspray Live!, broadcast by NBC. The network's head of entertainment, Robert Greenblatt, stated that Fierstein's performance is "The iconic Edna Turnblad. We should memorialize that performance on film," and that his involvement with the production made it "come full circle". [14] Though Greenblatt had also expressed interest in having Travolta reprise his role from the musical film. [15] Fierstein also wrote the teleplay, adapting Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan's book of the musical.

Variety 's Sonia Saraiya highlighted Fierstein's performance as "Predictably great", [16] with Caroline Siede of The A.V. Club agreeing, noting that the performance was "Wonderful." [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Divine (performer)</span> American actor, singer and drag queen (1945–1988)

Harris Glenn Milstead, better known by the stage name Divine, was an American actor, drag queen, and singer. Closely associated with independent filmmaker John Waters, Divine was a character actor, usually performing female roles in cinematic and theatrical productions, and adopted a female drag persona for his music career. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, to a conservative middle-class family, Milstead developed an early interest in drag while working as a women's hairdresser. By the mid-1960s he had embraced the city's countercultural scene and befriended Waters, who gave him the name "Divine" and the tagline of: "The most beautiful woman in the world...almost."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harvey Fierstein</span> American actor and playwright

Harvey Forbes Fierstein is an American actor, playwright, and screenwriter, known for his distinctive gravelly voice. He is best known for his theater work in Torch Song Trilogy and Hairspray and film roles in Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day, and as the voice of Yao in Mulan and Mulan II. Fierstein won two Tony Awards, Best Actor in a Play and Best Play, for Torch Song Trilogy. He received his third Tony Award, Best Book of a Musical, for the musical La Cage aux Folles and his fourth, the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, for playing Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, a role he revived in its live television event, Hairspray Live! Fierstein also wrote the books for the Tony Award-winning musicals Kinky Boots, Newsies, and Tony Award-nominated, Drama League Award-winner A Catered Affair. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2007.

<i>Hairspray</i> (musical) American musical

Hairspray is an American musical with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, with a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, based on John Waters's 1988 film of the same name. The songs include 1960s-style dance music and "downtown" rhythm and blues. Set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, the production follows teenage Tracy Turnblad's dream to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program based on the real-life Buddy Deane Show. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight, leading to social change as Tracy campaigns for the show's integration.

Kathy Brier is an American actress and singer, known for her work on ABC soap opera One Life to Live and the Broadway production of Hairspray.

<i>Hairspray</i> (1988 film) 1988 film by John Waters

Hairspray is a 1988 American comedy film written and directed by John Waters, starring Ricki Lake, Divine, Debbie Harry, Sonny Bono, Jerry Stiller, Leslie Ann Powers, Colleen Fitzpatrick, Michael St. Gerard, and Ruth Brown. Hairspray was a dramatic departure from Waters's earlier works, with a much broader intended audience. Hairspray's PG is the least restrictive rating a Waters film has received; most of his previous films were rated X by the MPAA. Set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, the film revolves around self-proclaimed "pleasantly plump" teenager Tracy Turnblad as she pursues stardom as a dancer on a local TV show and rallies against racial segregation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul C. Vogt</span> American actor and comedian (born 1964)

Paul Calvin Vogt is an American actor and comedian, best known for his work as a cast member on the sketch comedy programs Mad TV, The Big Gay Sketch Show, and The Rerun Show.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marissa Jaret Winokur</span> American actress

Marissa Jaret Winokur, sometimes credited as Marissa Winokur, is an American actress and singer known for her Tony-winning performance as Tracy Turnblad in the Broadway musical Hairspray, an adaptation of John Waters's film, as well as her work on the Pamela Anderson sitcom Stacked. Some of her other TV credits include Curb Your Enthusiasm,Moesha,The Steve Harvey Show,Just Shoot Me!,and Felicity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Pinette</span> American comedian and actor (1964–2014)

John Paul Pinette was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and Broadway performer. He toured the comedy club circuit beginning in the 1980s and appeared in cinema and on television. Besides stand-up, Pinette did impressions of Michael Jackson, The Chipmunks, Elvis Presley, Gollum from The Lord of the Rings, Hervé Villechaize, an Ewok, actor Marlon Brando, as well as various ethnic accents. He occasionally sang in his stand-up routines; for example "Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz, "Will You Be There" from Free Willy, and "Don't Cry for Me Argentina".

<i>Hairspray</i> (2007 film) 2007 film directed by Adam Shankman

Hairspray is a 2007 musical romantic comedy film based on the 2002 Broadway musical of the same name, which in turn was based on John Waters's 1988 comedy film of the same name. Produced by Ingenious Media and Zadan/Meron Productions, and adapted from both Waters's 1988 script and Thomas Meehan and Mark O'Donnell's book for the stage musical by screenwriter Leslie Dixon, the film was directed and choreographed by Adam Shankman and has an ensemble cast including John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Queen Latifah, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, Allison Janney, and Nikki Blonsky in her feature film debut. Set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, the film follows the "pleasantly plump" teenager Tracy Turnblad (Blonsky) as she pursues stardom as a dancer on a local television dance show and rallies against racial segregation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikki Blonsky</span> American actress, singer, and dancer

Nicole Blonsky is an American actress, singer, dancer, and internet personality. She is known for playing Tracy Turnblad in the film Hairspray (2007), for which she won two Critics' Choice Awards and received nominations for a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

<i>Hairspray</i> (2007 soundtrack) 2007 soundtrack album by Various artists/John Travolta

Hairspray: Soundtrack to the Motion Picture is the soundtrack album for the 2007 New Line Cinema musical film Hairspray. The film is an adaptation of the 2002 Broadway musical of the same name, itself adapted from John Waters's original 1988 film. It features performances from the film's cast, which includes John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Queen Latifah, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, and Nikki Blonsky as the lead character of Tracy Turnblad.

Craig Zadan was an American producer and writer. Working alone and with Neil Meron, his partner in the production company Storyline Entertainment, he produced such films as Footloose, Chicago and Hairspray.

<i>Hairspray</i> (2002 album) 2002 cast recording by Cast of Hairspray

Hairspray: Original Broadway Cast Recording is the cast album for the 2002 musical Hairspray. The show is an adaptation of the 1988 film of the same name. It features performances from the show's cast, which includes Harvey Fierstein, Linda Hart, Dick Latessa, Kerry Butler, Clarke Thorell, Mary Bond Davis, Laura Bell Bundy, Matthew Morrison, Corey Reynolds, and Marissa Jaret Winokur as the lead character of Tracy Turnblad. The cast recording earned the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

"Welcome to the 60's" is a song from the 2002 musical Hairspray. it is performed by Tracy Turnblad, Edna Turnblad, Mr. Pinky, and a Greek chorus consisting of three African-American stylists entitled the Dynamites.

Leanne Jones is a British actress best known for her role as Tracy Turnblad in the West End production of the musical Hairspray. In 2008, she won both the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the Critics Circle Award for Best Newcomer.

Marissa Perry is an American actress and singer born in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Jay Brazeau is a Canadian actor, best known for his role as Sam Fisher in Cold Squad, as Harlan in Stargate SG-1 (1997–2007), and for voicing Uncle Quigley in Sabrina: The Animated Series. He is also known for his role as Bobby in Double Jeopardy (1999), as Referee in the Air Bud film series (1997–2003), and his film role in We're No Angels (1989).

"I Can Hear the Bells" is a rock-pop song from the 2002 musical Hairspray. It is sung by the protagonist Tracy Turnblad.

<i>Hairspray Live!</i> American TV series or program

Hairspray Live! is an American television special that aired live on the American television network NBC on December 7, 2016. Produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, and hosted by Darren Criss, it is a performance of a new adaptation of the 2002 Broadway musical Hairspray.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Itzik Cohen (actor)</span> Israeli actor

Itzhak "Itzik" Cohen is an Israeli actor, filmmaker, and television producer. He is best known for portraying Captain Gabi Ayub in the political thriller television series Fauda.

References

  1. ↑ "Casting". Music Theatre International. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  2. ↑ Dvoskin, Michelle. "Embracing excess: The queer feminist power of musical theatre diva roles." Studies In Musical Theatre vol. 10, no. 1 (2016): 93–103.
  3. ↑ Egan, James (13 September 2011). John Waters: Interviews (Paperback ed.). University Press of Mississippi. pp. xxiii. ISBN   9781617031823.
  4. ↑ Milstead, Heffernan & Yeager 2001, p. 137.
  5. ↑ "Awards for Hairspray". IMDB.
  6. ↑ Kissel, Howard. "This Show Has Body And Bounce", Daily News (New York), August 16, 2002, p. 55
  7. ↑ Mohr, Ian (2005-03-13). "Casting looms for New Line's younger-skewing 'Hairspray'". Variety. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  8. ↑ Washington, Julie (July 20, 2007). "North Olmsted native Tony Gardner creates John Travolta's fat suit for Hairspray". The Plain Dealer . Archived from the original on February 1, 2009. Retrieved August 6, 2008.
  9. ↑ Green, Jesse (July 15, 2007). "Seeking His Inner Her, Size XXXL". The New York Times. Retrieved August 2, 2007.
  10. ↑ Stevens, Dana (July 19, 2007). "Not a Drag". Slate . Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  11. ↑ Denby, David (July 30, 2007). "Dream On". The New Yorker . Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  12. ↑ Walls, Jeannette (July 3, 2007). "Travolta says Hairspray isn't a gay film". Today.com . Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  13. ↑ "Hairspray – Golden Globes". HFPA . Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  14. ↑ Clement, Olivia (April 26, 2016). "Exclusive: Hairspray Live! to Feature Live Audience and New Songs". Playbill. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  15. ↑ "'Hairspray' live musical coming to NBC in December". EW.com. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  16. ↑ Saraiya, Sonia (2016-12-08). "TV Review: 'Hairspray Live!'". Variety. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  17. ↑ "An exuberant Hairspray Live! offers a light in the darkness". The A.V. Club. 2016-12-08. Retrieved 2023-11-05.

Works cited

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.