Ditch those stereotypes about girly girls and men's men and check out what the theater season has to offer in fab cross-dressing, transvestism, drag, travesti and gender bending.
These must-sees are either current or future features on Dallas stages -- but you can always stream/rent the movie versions. Or see them all.
This is all about exploring both sides.
As You Like It Shakespeare Dallas, through July 23 (last weekend!)
Shakespeare art full of cross-dressing maidens in this classic confection about a young woman who disguises herself as a man to discover the true feelings of her lover. Stream It: The 2006 film version stars the fair Bryce Dallas Howard. Oh, and Kevin Kline is in there too.
Victor Victoria Uptown Players, July 29 to August 21 A girl's gotta do what a guy's gotta do in this comedic musical about a starving female singer who transforms from woman to man and back again in order to save her career. Stream It: Be sure to check out the 1982 film version starring Julie Andrews and James Garner. Mary Poppins in drag? "In the most delightful way."
Hairspray Casa Manana, August 13 to August 21 Ok, so casting a male as Edna Turnblad in this Tony award-winning musical about desegregation and televised hip-shaking is more about keeping the tradition alive (the original film in 1988 cast transvestite performer Divine as Edna) than cross-dressing for love, but hey, it gets the point across. It's also just plain fun. Stream It: You can also watch the greatest greaser of all time, John Travolta, play Edna in the 2007 film version.
The Rocky Horror Show ArtCentre Theatre, October 28 to November 5 What happens when an uptight, engaged couple has car trouble in the middle of nowhere? They end up doing "The Time Warp" with a transvestite named Dr. Frank-N-Furter, of course.
Stream It: For old time's sake, don't forget to shout "slut" and "asshole" at the TV screen when you watch 1975's The Rocky Horror Picture Show starring Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon! SLUT!
La Cage Aux Folles Dallas Summer Musicals, 2012 Season Georges owns a fantastic night club featuring drag performers. When his son announces he's about to marry into an ultra-conservative family, Georges and his partner Albin (night club star Zaza) attempt to cover sequins with slacks and hope the big family meet-and-greet doesn't turn to mayhem. Stream It: You might want to watch the original 1978 movie, but The Birdcage starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane is also a "laugh so hard you'll pee your pants" kind of flick. Agador Spartacus is his name and cleaning is not his game.
