John Waters Comes to the Harris Theater in Chicago, 5/21

Director, writer, actor, and originator of the Hairspray dynasty John Waters returns to the Harris Theater on May 21 to perform his critically acclaimed one-man show, This Filthy World. Updated and expanded from the original film version by the same name, the man affectionately known as "The Pope of Trash" presents this hilarious evening focusing on his early negative influences, fascination with true crime, exploitation films, fashion lunacy, extremes of the art world, Catholicism, sexual deviancy, and his love of reading. This is Waters' second visit to the Harris after his sold-out show in 2010.

Immediately following the performance, the Harris Theater is holding an exclusive post-show benefit reception on the stage with Waters. There are only 100 reception tickets available. Tickets are $100 and all proceeds from the reception will support local companies who perform at the Theater, national and international companies through the Harris Theater Presents series, and community engagement programs.

Tickets to see John Waters' This Filthy World range from $55-$75 and can be purchased online at www.HarrisTheaterChicago.org, by phone at 312.334.7777, or in person at the Harris Theater Box Office at 205 E. Randolph Drive in Chicago. Tickets to attend the post-performance benefit reception are $100 and are available by phone or in person.

The Harris Theater gratefully acknowledges Judith E. Neisser for her leadership support of this performance and the Broadway Their Way series. The Harris also acknowledges Angel's Envy, the Exclusive Spirit Sponsor of the benefit reception.

Born in Baltimore in 1946, John Waters was drawn to movies at an early age. Dubbed "The Pope of Trash" by writer William Burroughs, Waters began making 8mm and 16mm underground movies as a teenager using Baltimore, which he fondly dubbed the "Hairdo Capitol of the World," as the setting for his films. In 1972, Waters created what would become the most "notorious" film in the American independent cinema of the 1970s, Pink Flamingos, which turned Waters into a cult celebrity.

Waters achieved box office and mainstream critical success with his 1988 film Hairspray, starring the then unknown Ricki Lake; the film was turned into a hit Broadway musical that swept the 2003 Tony Awards, and was then adapted and released as a 2007 feature film starring John Travolta and Queen Latifah. The success of Hairspray brought Waters major Hollywood backing for his next feature, Cry-Baby (1990), starring Johnny Depp.

Pink Flamingos, the ultimate trash masterpiece, was re-released in theaters for its 25th anniversary in 1997, complete with newfound footage. Commenting on the long-lasting popularity of the film, director Waters proudly boasts, "it's hard to offend three generations, but it looks like I've succeeded." His other films include Serial Mom, Cecil B. Demented, and A Dirty Shame.

In addition to writing and directing feature films, Waters is the author of six books, including Role Models in 2010, which earned spots on The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle best seller lists. An artistic visionary, Waters is also a photographer whose photo-based artwork and installations have been internationally exhibited in galleries and museums.

Waters has performed This Filthy World to sold-out audiences around the world; in 2006, Netflix released a film version of the live act that was screened at the Toronto, Berlin and Edinburgh Film Festivals. In 2004, his cynical and hilarious CD A John Waters Christmas was released by New Line Records, featuring an outlandish compilation of musical obscurities chosen by Waters himself, including songs by Tiny Tim, Fat Daddy and the Chipmunks.

Waters is a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and is on the Wexner Center International Arts Advisory Council. Additionally, he is a past member of the boards of The Andy Warhol Foundation and Printed Matter.

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