Also this issue:

Boom Town
CP's dance critics take a look at all four evenings of DanceBoom! at the Wilma.
-D.K and J.A

Artsbeat
-Debra Auspitz

Face Time
-Lori Hill

Party On, Garth
-Deni Kasrel

Stephen Dubner
-Andrew Milner

For the Love of Pig Iron!
-A.D. Amorosi

La Traviata: Verdi Good
-David Shengold

January 30-February 5, 2003

artpicks

A Night with Dame Edna

by David Anthony Fox

Some critics dismiss Dame Edna as a "drag queen." How foolish! This extraordinary person, who has been in the public eye for nearly five decades, is no mere superstar -- she's a wife and mother, an everywoman whose triumphant personal journey is a model for us all.

She first emerged in the 1960s, under the watchful eye of her Pygmalion, Australian satirist Barry Humphries. Initially, Edna was a drab Melbourne housewife (Mrs. Norman Everage), but soon she found her voice and personal style. When life brought tragedy (the death of her beloved Norm from prostate trouble), Edna grew stronger. By the 1980s, she was a living legend -- widow and mother, but also an international celebrity talk-show host. The Dameship that was bestowed upon her was a natural acknowledgment of Edna's achievements.

How generous of her to share with others her lessons learned, as she does in A Night With Dame Edna.

But be forewarned -- Edna cares, but she's no pushover. Like Oscar Wilde's Cecily, when she sees a spade she calls it a spade. Members of the audience who seek her guidance get an earful, on subjects ranging from their parenting skills to their taste in clothes and interior decorating. Sometimes the discussions are extensive, and include cell phone conversations with stunned family members and baby-sitters. It's not unusual for Edna to do a surprise makeover or even to invite her guests to enjoy a spaghetti dinner with her right onstage, under the watchful eye of 1,200 spectators. The lady gives and gives.

The tough-love approach, of course, works wonders. No wonder there is a band of Edna acolytes who see her over and over, each time drawing something new and energizing from the source. Dame Edna is in demand the world over, and consequently her Philadelphia appearances will be limited to two precious weeks.

Don't be left out!

A Night With Dame Edna, Feb. 4-16, $20-$65, Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St., 215-923-1515.