By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
June 14, 2002
‘Sexaholix … a love story’
Tuesday through June 30
?176-129? Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph
Tickets, $25-$60
(312) 902-1400
John Leguizamo has figured out a way to keep his family happy after they see his skewering interpretation of them in his one-man shows. “I buy them really nice gifts,” Leguizamo jokes. “My family’s getting used to being portrayed in my shows, but it’s hard for everybody to be put on stage like that and be ridiculed. But they know it’s a comedy, so I highlight their worst points and exaggerate things. I poke fun at myself as well, so I definitely don’t come across as a choir boy.”
These days, he’s best known for his film career (“Moulin Rouge,” “Carlito’s Way,” “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar”). He also is the voice of Sid the Sloth in the animated film “Ice Age”–a role he will reprise in the sequel.
But theater is responsible for launching his career. His one-man shows “Mambo Mouth” and “Spic-O-Rama” were critical and commercial successes.
Leguizamo’s latest show, “Sexaholix … a love story, ” written and performed by the versatile actor, explores Latinos in general and his family in particular.
“Some kid in New York is doing ‘Chink-O-Rama,’ ” says Leguizamo, who turns 38 next month. “It’s great. I don’t care that he found inspiration in my show, as long as he does it smart and with satire. Theater is the best form of expression. And a one-man show is the most intimate experience. It’s almost like a conversation with the audience.”
The father of two toddlers, Leguizamo has been in a six-year relationship with their mother, Justine Maurer, a former costume production assistant he met on a movie set. He says he plans on being with her for the rest of his life but doesn’t feel the need to get married.
“Why fix it if it ain’t broke?” he says. “I really love her to death. We have to work at it, but it’s pretty effortless.”
HERE’S WHAT ELSE LEGUIZAMO HAD TO SAY:
Favorite Chicago food: Chicago has great cuisine. It’s the first place I had Afghani food. I also like the sushi there.
Most memorable Chicago experience: I used to go to Ed Debevic’s and be abused by all the waitresses. I couldn’t sass them back because I was doing a one-man show at the time and my voice was too sore to talk. So they would just go at me and I had to take it.
Favorite Chicago sports team: I’m partial to the Bulls. I remember seeing Michael Jordan play when I was doing “Spic-O-Rama” here. That was amazing.
Favorite exercise: I’ve boxed for years but I’ve never been any good at it. Now I’m boxing three to four hours every day to train for this film I’m going to be in that I’m directing. It’s a total workout. They can hit me in the kidneys or liver, but I don’t want them to hit me in the face. I’m an actor. I’m vain.
Favorite Chicago personality: John Cusack, ’cause he’s been producing some extremely interesting movies. I’m really proud of what he does. He’s brave and takes great risks.
Favorite activity while in town: Going to see the Cubbies. I’m going to be in town when they play the Texas Rangers.
Staying true to his artform: I don’t cater or pander to anyone, but I did take three lines out of this show out of respect to my mother and girlfriend, who asked me to. They were right–the lines were, well, out of line.
What his family says at holidays: The ones who’ve seen my show always ask, “Why, John, why?” But most of them secretly like being featured.
On going vegetarian for four months: I did it before we started filming “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.” I was playing a drag queen so I wanted to look the part. I lost so much weight, I lost all my muscle. But it made me look more like a woman. I became like veal–all tender. [Co-star] Wesley Snipes didn’t care, but I think Patrick [Swayze] was a little jealous that I was prettier than he was.
Best thing about playing to Chicago audiences: They’re respectful, but they’ll also let you know how you feel if they don’t like you.
The last word on Chicago: Smart.
