Canned Ham
I went to see a one man show by Tom Judson because his story had some interesting aspects. He had performed in the tour of Cabaret, and also 42nd Street. A few of his friends from these productions were in the theatre (Cavern Club Celebrity Theatre) Tom Judson had also written the music for Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, as well as that terrific movie Metropolitan He had even composed a ditty for Sesame Street (the letter M). Somewhere along the way he learned how to play five instruments and this is why he ended up in the two Broadway tours where the actors were required to play the music. He was the musical director for that avant –garde artist Anne Magnuson and it was through her that he got involved with the musicals. Then he fell in love.
He lived with his lover for 6 years but then his lover got aids. Apparently Judson was devastated and he tried to kill himself but stopped in time (the bathwater and the knife were ready. Judson needed money 9 stock market and all) and he ran into porn producer par excellence Chi Chi LaRue (Larry). So was born Gus Mattox, who became a huge male porn star besides the fact that he was 42. He even won an award at the2006 GayVN Awards for Performer of the Year.
All this sounds fascinating at least to some but the piece itself needs work. He often introduces subject and never follows through so you know what happened or why. The biggest example of that is that very little is explored when it comes to music. He demonstrates his ability on a couple instruments but it is never clear why, after his partner’s death, he turned to porn rather than his music. His attitude about most things is very laid back so I never really knew where he was coming from. This is most evident when he found occasion to strip for the audience to show us his chiseled body. I think he must believe that the audience wanted that but it was a bit embarrassing and not as interesting as the fact he composed the music for Metropolitan. There are lots of big names associated with this project (is this his new career?) William Ivey Long is listed as the costumer. What costume, a muscle shirt and jeans? Kevin Maloney who has lots of directing credits should have seen that sections didn’t hold together. Lastly some blame must go to Judson/Mattox himself. He keeps insisting he is an actor but he seems strangely ill at ease and has little stage presence. Again the director should have helped him with this. Canned Ham plays at the Cavern Club Celebrity Theatre until May 16th.