Returning to Boston, Actor Greg Kalafatas Dons a Housedress to Play 'Hairspray's' Edna Turnblad this Weekend

EDGE: How much can you relate to Edna Turnblad?

Greg Kalafatas: I can relate to her well. Especially since coming to the role post-pandemic when I was shut up in the house for a couple of years and Edna talks about that herself. She refers to it when Tracy tries to get her to leave the house to meet Mr. Pinky to talk about her business offer. Like many of us, she hasn't been out of her apartment in a long time, and she's put on some weight. She just doesn't feel good about herself, and I've had those feelings about myself, and they were amplified mostly during the pandemic. For me, it was pretty depressing when the entire performing arts industry shut down for two years. I didn't have anything to do, and I was at home just sitting in my chair and going out for walks. Then when Edna finds herself and is encouraged to be herself that is when she blossoms. I think that's true for anybody who has been made fun of for the way they look.

EDGE: If you could have a conversation with Divine about this role, what would you want to know from her?

Greg Kalafatas: I would ask her what her collaboration process with John Waters was like. How much of Edna came from her? How much came from John? I know that they were big on collaborating. I would also love to know where her character as Divine ends and how much of herself was in the performance. When an actor comes from a drag background and you have created a persona, I think that there is that level of bringing different aspects of yourself to the part. Honestly, I would have a lot of questions. I would want to talk about everything, especially all the crazy stuff she did.

EDGE: The 60s was a very memorable era of fashion. What impact does your costume have on you as an actor, and do you have a favorite costume you get to wear?

Greg Kalafatas: I think costumes have a huge impact on actors because as much as you're creating the role in the rehearsal room in your own clothes nothing makes you feel more prepared when you are in full costume. Once I shave and put on the makeup and wig, that's when I feel transformed into my character. As for my favorite costume, I love them all. I even love my house dresses. They do lend to the show and the arc of the story because she starts in a sleeveless house dress and she's ironing and sweaty and then ends up in this beautiful Mae West-looking red Dolly Levi gown. I change my mind; my favorite is the Red Dress. It's a lot of fun coming out after the makeover and hearing the audience's reaction.

EDGE: What is your favorite moment to play in the show?

Greg Kalafatas: I have two favorite moments. I love performing "You're Timeless To Me" with Ralph Prentice Daniel, who plays Edna's husband Wilbur. He and I have a great relationship and we have a lot of fun doing it. I love that it is just the two of us on stage, which is the only time we're on stage alone. It is a charming and fun song that wins the crowd over.

My other favorite moment is in the record shop when Tracy and Little Inez come up with the idea to try to integrate the Corny Collins show. Tracy tries to convince Link to join her in protesting, but it becomes a little overwhelming for him, so he leaves. Tracy then goes off to the side corner downstage and starts to cry and I go over to comfort her. She asks, "Why would I ever think that Link would like someone like me?" In this moment, is where you really Edna as a real mom, and she says, "Why wouldn't he? You're a beautiful girl." I love playing that moment with Caroline Eiseman who plays Tracy. It's always a little different, but we're always so connected and it's really such a quiet moment in the show.

EDGE: "Hairspray" is full of stuck-in-your-head Broadway songs. What song do you have the most fun with?

Greg Kalafatas: The song I love and have the most fun with is "Timeless." As for the song that I am not part of, it would be "Without Love. "That song is performed while I am getting ready for the finale. I am doing my makeup backstage during that number, and I'm always singing along. I think that's a testament to the music in this show that even after 2 ½ years I'm still singing along.

EDGE: What do you personally take away from the message of "Hairspray?"

Greg Kalafatas: That we still have a long way to go, and we still must make changes. Personally, it makes me feel good about myself and how I can connect to that part of Edna. There's a little bit of catharsis playing the part, too. We all need to be like Tracy and continue to fight for what is right.

"Hairspray" runs January 19 – 21 at the Emerson Colonial Theatre, 106 Bolyston Street, Boston, MA. For more information, follow this link.

Watch this preview of the national tour of "Hairspray."