Gumby, "Hairspray" and monsters at SLO film festival

As you no doubt read in The Tribune last week, the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival has begun.

The festival kicked off Friday with a train-themed gala at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch.

On Saturday, organizers offered a host of features and documentaries from "The Little Red Truck," a look at one far-reaching children's theater group, to a sing-along version of "Hairspray."

(Unfortunately for female fans, star Zac Efron couldn't make the screening. He's off filming in England, undoubtedly the period flick "Me and Orson Welles.)

One of the afternoon's highlights was "Gumby Dharma," which chronicled the fascinating life and times of "Gumby" creator Art Clokey.

Clokey himself was present at Downtown Centre Cinemas in San Luis Obispo. Moviegoers spotted the claymation pioneer and Los Osos resident being wheeled around in a wheelchair with son Joel by his side.

I caught a screening of "Monster Camp," filmmaker Cullen Hoback's documentary about the weird, wonderful world world of live-action role playing, or, LARPing.

Inviting comparisons to "Trekkies" and the arcade game doc "King of Kong," "Monster Camp" offers a fun, even sympathetic look at the dedicated fantasy fans who meet every few months to dress up and engage in mock combat.

They're drawn by a desire to escape from their humdrum lives, hang out with friends and even meet mates. These are the same folks who dedicate untold hours to the online phenomenon "World of Warcraft." Call 'em nerds with a niche.

"Monster Camp" is funny, wince-worthy and infinitely entertaining. Until the movie finds its way into regular theaters, learn more at www.monstercampthemovie.com.

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For more about the San Luis Obispo International Film Festivals, including ticket prices and screening locations, go here.

-- Sarah L.

Zac Efron on the cover of Rolling Stone!

The Central Coast's hottest commodity is now America's Sweetheart.

Zac Efron, star of "Hairspray" and the upcoming "High School Musical 2," will appear on the cover of next month's Rolling Stone, the magazine announced earlier this week.

The 19-year-old actor and Arroyo Grande native is pictured grinning and reaching a hand under his white T-shirt to expose tanned abs. Besides him are the words "The New American Heart Throb."

Check out it out for yourself
here.

When Zac attacks!

They call it the “Zac Attack.”
As Pat Pemberton’s article in Ticket suggests, there’s an air of media frenzy about Zac Efron, the singing, dancing star of “Hairspray” and “High School Musical.”
He’s graced the covers of BOP, Tiger Beat, Teen and Kewl. He’s popped up on “Extra” and MTV’s “TRL.”
YouTube features about 53,000 videos with a connection to the Arroyo Grande teen. And a Google search turns up more than 2 million hits, including a dozen fansites.
On Tuesday morning, the “nicest kids in town” — Efron, Nikki Blonsky, Elijah Kelly and Amanda Bines — appeared on NBC’s “Today” show to promote “Hairspray.”
Efron was his usual polite self, praising co-star Blonsky for her skill and talking about “Hairspray’s” positive message.
“There’s so many good messages in this movie,” he said. “It’s really about being accepting of all people, all shapes, all sizes. It’s about following your dreams.”
In June, Elle magazine raved about Efron's sex appeal (“not unlike Romeo of Verona or Leonardo in ‘Titanic’ ”) and his talent (“he can sing and dance like Justin Timberlake”).
People magazine’s Monica Rizzo recently wondered if Efron and his “High School Musical” co-star Vanessa Hudgens are “the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie of the teen set?”
The two were spotted Tuesday at the “Hairspray” premiere in Los Angeles, where they watched the movie together, held hands and danced to a live rendition of “Proud Mary.”
People even put Zac Efron on its “Most Beautiful” list in April. The actor features prominently in a special issue about “High School Musical 2.”

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What’s next for this talented teen?
Efron and the cast of “Hairspray” return to “Today” this morning for a live performance. Watch on NBC at 9 a.m.

Big, bold "Hairspray"

You know you’re in for a good time when the cast seems to be having as much fun as the audience.
Halfway through last night’s performance of “Hairspray,” a dirty joke sent the actors playing Edna and Wilbur Turnblad into uncontrollable giggles. When one of the audience members busted out a hearty “Haw haw haw,” I nearly doubled over with laughter myself.
The touring production of “Hairspray,” the hit Broadway musical about a girl with big hair and big dreams, came to the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday.
As a fan of the 1987 cult movie, I wondered if the stage version would live up to John Waters’ sweet, slightly twisted comedy.
Fortunately, the musical packs enough kitsch, color and humor — with a few knowing winks at history — to satisfy even the most cynical theatergoer.
Set in 1962 Baltimore, “Hairspray” focuses on dance-crazy teen Tracy Turnblad, who longs to become a television celebrity and win over the local heartthrob. But that’s not enough for Tracy — she also wants to bring black students onto TV’s all-white “Corny Collins Show.”
The score, flavored with Motown, rock and jazz, gives the “Hairspray” cast a chance to belt.
Nearly every major cast member has a show stopper, from mean show mom Von Tussle (Happy McPartlin) to trendsetter Seaweed (Christian White).
Of course, the true stars of “Hairspray” are the larger-than-life ladies.
As Tracy, Brooklyn Pulver pairs a sweet stage demeanor with a big, boisterous voice. Motormouth Maybelle (Yvette Monique Clark) steals the scene with “Big, Blonde and Beautiful.” (Her habit of speaking in rhyme gets annoying, however.)
And Jerry O’Boyle, in drag as Tracy’s housewife mom, brings plenty of oomph to his queen-sized character — making a truly Divine appearance at the end of the musical.
Catch “Hairspray” tonight and Thursday at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo.