Hedwig and the Angry Inch
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Summary
Andrew Rannells (The Book of Mormon) has taken over for Neil Patrick Harris.
Cititour.com Review
Those of us who first saw 15-year-old Neil Patrick Harris over 25 years ago as TV’s precocious young medic, Doogie Howser, could hardly have imagined that the young actor’s greatest artistic triumph might come from portraying an embittered transgendered East German singer.
And those of us who first saw John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask’s groundbreaking musical, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” in the confines of the sparse Westbeth Theatre in Greenwich Village way back in 1997 would equally never have imagined that the work would someday fill a 1000+-plus seat theater north of 42nd Street.
Well, to slightly adapt that old slogan, you’ve both come a long way, baby.
If you don’t believe me (and you can get your hand on a ticket), simply head over to the Belasco Theatre where Harris is giving a truly transformative (and sure-to-be-Tony-winning) performance in the title role of “Hedwig.” Indeed, Harris’ intensely physical and emotional, balls-to-the-walls turn in this extremely demanding part is worth whatever ducats you may need to spend to see this 95-minute tour de force.
But just in case, Tony-winning director Michael Mayer and his crackerjack creative team – including set designer Julian Crouch, Oscar-nominated costumer Arianne Phillips, and Tony-winning lighting designer Kevin Adams – have also turned the formerly small-scale show into the kind of Broadway spectacle that commands a three-figure ticket price.
In case you’re wondering, Mitchell has updated the script from its original incarnation. The show now actually takes place inside the Belasco (for somewhat salacious reasons) on the abandoned set of the musical version of the Oscar-winning film “The Hurt Locker” (just one of the many contemporary references to be found here). But even with the piece’s time period having been moved to the present, the essential story remains the same as Hedwig –the former Hansel – tells us why he/she left East Germany without most of her male anatomy, and how he/she eventually fell in love with (and was abandoned by) rock superstar Tommy Gnosis, who just happens to be performing a major concert within ear’s reach.
Much of Hedwig’s sad story is told through monologue, but it’s rarely maudlin. In part, that’s because Harris uses his now-trademark sardonic delivery to great advantage, especially with what might be throwaway lines in other hands. But the biggest emotional punch comes not from the dialogue, but from Trask’s smart and deeply-felt score, full of such gems as “Wig in a Box” and “Wicked Little Town,” sung with complete conviction by Harris. Nor does this fearless actor (who clearly has been dieting or maybe fasting) shy away from executing Spencer Liff’s almost-acrobatic movements, while wearing skimpy shorts and high-heeled boots, no less.
In case you think “Hedwig” is actually a one-man show, think again. Lena Hall, a glorious singer and fine actress, proves to be invaluable as Hedwig’s passive-aggressive husband, Yitzhak (whose late-in-the-show transformation is another of the evening’s many highlights). In addition, the pair is joined by a killer four-piece onstage band. And, yes, the audience must play its part as well -- as they say, like it or not. Get angry at your own risk.
By Brian Scott Lipton
Visit the Site
http://www.hedwigbroadway.com
Cast
Neil Patrick Harris, Lena Hall
Open/Close Dates
Opening 4/22/2014
Closing 9/13/2015
Preview Open/ Preview Close Dates
Preview Opening 3/29/2014
Closing Open-ended
Box Office
212-239-6200
Theatre Info
Belasco Theatre
111 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
Map
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