As I sit here pondering how to write about a subject as complex as Hedwig and the Angry Inch which I saw last night at Jobsite Theatre, I realize I should probably set some objectives for what I intend to accomplish here, in this space, for writing about the theatrical performances I see. The burgeoning scholar in me is humbled by the ramblings of Jobsite’s Artistic Director, David Jenkins. His recent posts on Hedwig--’Stage vs. Screen’ and ‘Week 1 thoughts’ are what I want my own posts to resemble. The critic in me wants to get the word out quickly and inspire those who may be on the fence about going to see a show to just jump down and go see it! And after you do, come and talk to me about it. My second favorite thing about theatre is talking about a show.
Perhaps what I need to do is a quick blast of why one should go, and then a longer piece with outside links to other topics, a virtual game of connect-the-dots that makes the interwebs a crazy world in which to get tangled, and how this blog got its name.
So why should you go see Hedwig? First, because of Hedwig’s story. From the early days, with his (he’s still Hansel at this point) head in the oven, listening to The Captain and Tennille on Armed Forces Radio, to the botched sex change operation where s/he laments, “It was my first day as a woman, already that time of the month” and then her escape to the United States just as the Berlin Wall is coming down. Then (sigh) there is the song, with its accompanying video, The Origin of Love. My absolute favorite part of the show. It is a beautiful tale in and of itself.
The music rocks, the puns make you groan and there is even a sing-along. Spencer Meyer’s drag queen mannerisms are awkward at times but when he channels Tommy Gnosis he is spot on. Amy Gray’s gender crossing Yitzak is quite believable and Jonathan Cho’s hair is...well, you’ll see.
It is playing through September 29 and tickets are going fast. Get yours today.
More thoughts to come.
