A clean-shaved Bruce Vilanch put out all fires of doubt as he out-Harveyed Fierstein, carrying the musical on his shoulders effortlessly before a wildly enthusiastic hometown crowd – including Judith Light! We all knew Vilanch could write, but guess what, kids: The man can act. BIG TIME!

In addition to a totally compelling, scenery-chewing performance, Vilanch peppered the show with one-liners that took the show over the top. At one point, Edna’s husband embraces her from behind, putting his hands on her ample knockers. “Governor Schwarzenegger, is that you?” says Vilanch, reducing the audience to prolonged hysterics. But the Turnblad tongue isn’t done. “Now that they fired Whoopi, maybe I can get that Slim Fast endorsement,” he says. “It certainly won’t be Linda Ronstadt.”

By the way, Judith Light, LA’s siren of soirees, stood in the aisle almost till the curtain went up, causally chatting with well-wishers and wearing an elegant black sleeveless top. If she was tired from last night’s Outfest shindig at Avalon with Sissy Spacek, et al., she didn’t show it.