Friday, January 20, 2017
Cult favorite 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' taking Benedum by storm
TribLIVE: By turns wicked, raunchy, funny and heartbreaking, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” was probably a bit ahead of its time when it first opened in 1997 off-off Broadway.
In 1998, the brainchild of John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask moved up to Off-Broadway's Jane Street Theatre for a highly successful, award-winning two-year run. The 2001 movie followed, with Mitchell directing and in the starring role and Trask as a band member.
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4 comments:
Hedwig and the Angry Inch is, to me, a lot like the Rocky Horror Picture Show: a cult classic that may have been controversial and relevant and revolutionary when it first came out, but something that just didn’t age well.
I saw Hedwig when it was in New York expecting the show of the century after the hype it received at the Tony’s that year. I knew about the form of the show and the writing style but sitting in the audience was like listening to a bunch of inside jokes that weren’t funny because I wasn’t a part of them. Everyone around me seemed to be participating and interacting with the show (as you do with Rocky Horror), but I didn’t connect with any of this.
I think the piece is only enjoyable in terms of the character development that happens during the songs. The quality of the show falls entirely on the shoulders of a single performer, Hedwig. The plot itself was rocky, unpolished, and quite frankly, cliche with a slight twist.
Yay I love Hedwig! I can not go see it because I am currently in rehearsal, but I would encourage anyone who is on the fence to go see it. Hedwig is a very interesting show in its general lack of structure and rigid plot. It is formatted like a concert, and Hedwig discusses her past as she performs her music. Because of this format, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is much better described as either a concert or a theatrical experience, rather than a musical. If you go in with this expectation, I do not think you will be disappointed. If you go in expecting a typical musical with a rigid plot, a wide cast of characters, and a lot of huge dance breaks, you will be very upset. This is Hedwig's show. She has her own journey throughout, as she performs her music and describes her memories to the audience. It is funny at some times and heart wrenching at others. And the songs are catchy as hell.
HEDWIG! Such a fun piece of theatre. I saw the show for the first time in September of my junior year of high school, it was my 16th birthday. This show was revolutionary for me, because of its messages of compassion and acceptance. For anyone struggling with their sexuality/gender identity/or just loving themselves i would passionately recommend this show. Hedwig is presented in a concert-like fashion which making it an unconventional theatre piece.
Andrew Rannells (one of Broadway's Hedwig) was phenomenal when i saw it. He graced the stage with his humor but also was able to evoke joyful sentiments in me regarding my childhood (it was really quite heartbreaking). Lena Hall (tony award winner for her performance of Yitzak) was unreal. Her control over her physical and vocal performance was like no other.
This show utilized lighting and projections in such a beautiful way, not only complimenting the piece-- but creating something visually interesting.
and lastly the COSTUMES (hair and makeup included in this enthusiastic review). Wow they were breathtaking. Multiple onstage changes of both wigs and clothing executed with grace and precision.
clearly i was a fan of this show and hope that everyone who sees it will be able to take something from it
While I have never seen or read the performance the concept seems like something that would be a wild success, or at least begin more successful that it started, seeing how it is currently quite successful. I feel that the arching theme of the article is described in the line, “The subject matter of sexuality and gender identification was ahead of its time, too, among other aspects”. Especially with Trump’s presidency and the continuing disrespect the transgender community receives, Hedwig and The Angry Inch is a great performance to view in this conflicting period in history. However from the concept I got a very down to earth vibe that contradicts the cover image, reinforcing the fact that this performance is something that needs to be enjoyed in person, just like every other theatrical performance it embodies a life of its own. Tbe in the venue surrounded by that topic of performance while the world outside is portraying the same thing in a larger scale must be a powerful experience.
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