Tonight is the premier of "Work It," a new sitcom about guys in drag.
The reviewer at the Washington Post nails this show and takes a thoughtful look at the history and controversy of men in drag on TV. [link]
Here's a quote: "In an unseemly display of uncredited closet-raiding, “Work It” is just “Bosom Buddies” with a smokier eye. ...bad drag is one of the oldest jokes around, and there is some debate about whether it works the way it used to, thanks mainly to the tireless efforts of professional drag queens, who’ve upped the game considerably, and proponents of transgender rights, who’ve had it with pop culture’s mockery and bias."
I was young, but remember, somewhat fondly, the Tom Hanks sitcom "Bosom Buddies." I certainly remember that they cast a tall blonde stunner named Donna Dixon as Hank's love interest, probably just so there wouldn't be any confusion about sexual identity. Sorry that that was my biggest takeaway.
Actually, I'm more interested in HBO's launch of Angry Boys in which Aussie Chris Lilly playes all of the central roles, some in drag. Loved his last series, "Summer Heights High."
The subject of men (especially straight men) in drag as comedy is too long to get into. I started to put together a short list, but wikipedia has already developed the killer content, from Chaplin to Madea. [link]
Anyone watching? Or just Netflixing "Tootsie"?
--Straight Guy
4 comments:
I generally boycott a lack of creativity - didn't watch Bosom Buddies, not watching this.
I feel so removed from pop culture on television since I rarely watch anything that does not include the Red Sox or Bruins.
I must be a bad gay.
BosGuy, You are SO butch!
Did anyone out there watch this show? Reviews, please.
+1 on BosGuy's comment. No cable, barely any television at all aside from streamed oddities from Netflix.
I was honestly unaware that seeing men dressed in women's clothes was still considered titillating in the least. What year is it again, 1952?
Johnny Blazes has more talent and original insight into gender roles in his/her little finger than this series will expend in its entire (short) run.
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