Hothead does Michigan: the comics' infamous "homicidal lesbian terrorist" makes her stage debut at this summer's Michigan fest.

Remember the comic-book character Hothead Paisan? If you, like many, have been wondering whatever became of the lovable yet maniacal "homicidal lesbian terrorist" and self-described "fehmuhnist," then brace yourselves for her big comeback this summer--in a rock opera.

The brainchild of artist Diane DiMassa--who dreamed up the short-fused vigilante in 1991 as a therapeutic means to channel her unresolved anger--Hothead became an underground (s)hero for legions of lesbians and feminists throughout the '90s thanks to her over-the-top satirical humor that poked violent fun at the patriarchy. DiMassa has kept Hothead's public profile low for the past several years but was convinced to bring her back to the spotlight by Animal Prufrock, of the now-separated duo Bitch and Animal, who pitched the carious concept of adapting Hothead to a musical format.

"I believed Animal would pull it off because she has a very strong producer streak in her and is good at bringing things together," DiMassa says. "She has no self-doubt! She's enthusiastic and committed to her vision and believes deeply in whatever she's doing. Plus, she's a little manic."

Michigan Womyn's Music Festival producer Lisa Vogel was easily convinced to book the debut performance of Hothead Paisan: The Musical, Act One on the famed Night Stage of the 2004 festival on Friday, August 13. "We started talking in the early fall, and [Animal] laid out some of her ideas, played a bit of music over the phone," Vogel recalls. "I was hooked." The star-studded cast of singers and musicians Animal has assembled has the festival community all abuzz with anticipation: They include Ani DiFranco, Ferron, Tribe 8's Lynn Breedlove, best-selling nutrition guru Susan "Stop the Insanity" Powter, Ubaka Hill, Toshi Reagon, and Alyson Palmer of Betty, among others.

According to Vogel, the performance will focus heavily on the music. DiMassa will help design the set, which will be integrated into the performance. "We've not done a musical on any of the stages," Vogel admits, "but it's an exciting experiment that I know will work."

Vogel adds that she thinks the timing is perfect for Hothead's return. "I think 2004 needs Hothead. Hothead's fearless commentary and relentless 'fehmuhnist' underpinning are smart, feminist, and fun. Michigan will love it."