HedwigAnd The Angry Inch
"Hedwig And The Angry Inch" has truly become an irreverent cultural phenomenon. Originally opening off-Broadway on Valentine's Day in 1998, the show went on to span a critically praised film adaptation in 2001 and a Tony winning Broadway revival in 2014. Originated by John Cameron Mitchell, the character of Hedwig has since been embodied not only by Neil Patrick Harris, Tony Winner for Best Lead Actor in a Musical 2014, but by the likes of Andrew Rannells ("Girls"), Michael C. Hall ("Dexter"), Darren Criss ("Glee") and soon Taye Diggs ("Private Practice"). Just in time for the 2015 Pride celebrations in St. John's, local talent Keith Power will also be donning that trademark blond wig as he steps into the high heels of transgender rocker Hedwig. Joint Productions will stage two exclusive showings of this rock musical at the Rockhouse on July 18th, one at 10:00 pm and another at 12:00 am. "Hedwig and the Angry Inch", of course, tells the story of the genderqueer East German titular character, as well as the rock and roll band she fronts. Over the course of the show, the rocker spends most of her time directly wise cracking to the audience about her botched gender reassigned operation and her life spent straddling the lines of gender. She also talks frankly of her past romantic relationships; as well as, the never-ending search for her 'missing part'. It's a production which obviously lends itself to an extremely interactive environment. This was an element that attracted Alix Reynolds, Artistic Director of Joint Productions, to this project. Another factor was the opportunity of working with not only Keith Power, but also with Janet Cull. "I suggested doing the show to Keith off the cuff, and he immediately lost his mind", stated Reynolds. "He just became really excited about doing it. We then started talking to Janet as she had done the show before, and she wanted to be involved as well". Making up the remainder of the talented cast is Elliott Dicks on drums, Chris Kearsey on guitar, Paddy Byrne on bass and Virgina Fudge on keys. Reynolds noted that putting off the show has definitely been a challenge, but indicated that all involved are really excited that this production is an official 2015 Pride event. She stated, in fact, that she loves the idea of bringing this show back as a Pride event in the future. According to Reynolds, being an ally of the LGBTQ community of Newfoundland is of extreme importance to Joint Productions, and is one that she finds serendipitous. "We've always been proud here at Joint Productions", stated Reynolds. "Hedwig is giving us an opportunity to celebrate that as pair with St. John's Pride this Summer". In the Fall, Reynolds will be attending the University of Victoria where she will be completing a Masters in Fine Arts Degree in Theatrical Direction. In the immediate future, she is looking forward to bringing the iconic glam rock of "Hedwig" to the audience of St. John's. Advance tickets are currently on sale for $15.00 at Fred's Records, 198 Duckworth Street, St. John's.
