Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Spend the evening with a transgender German rock singer in this Tony Award winning revival of the cult musical written by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask.
... Read moreThis cult classic rock musical about a fictional rock and roll band fronted by an East German transgender singer has moved uptown to Broadway. In this Tony Award winning revival, the iconic role has been taken over by Taye Diggs through October 11.
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- 1 hour and 35 minutes
- Already closed
- Belasco Theatre (Midtown W)
Cast & Creatives (15)
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Reviews (939)
18 Critics' Reviews
"Foulmouthed, electrically tuneful and furiously funny, with explicit descriptions of its title character’s bungled sex-change operation and erotic adventures, “Hedwig” developed a cult following that kept it running off Broadway for two years, with subsequent production around the world." Full Review
"“Hedwig” is a tricky animal: Framed like a concert, it requires a charismatic lead who can go wild during the most raucous numbers, but also handle long, narrative banter between the songs — and the occasional audience interaction." Full Review
"A spectacular revival...a rock concert with political as well as psychosexual overtones. What fun! ...The band may be wearing fashionable glam-rock costumes rather than ripped T-shirts and shredded jeans and safety pins in their nostrils, but the music (and the anger fueling it) is closer to punk rock and more in step with Hedwig’s nihilist inclinations." Full Review
"Mitchell juices his 1998 script with topical jabs: dating sites, TMZ and Mark Rylance. Director Michael Mayer expertly balances the needs of a messy, punk protest with jaw-dropping visuals." Full Review
"The enormous scale and professionalism of Michael Mayer’s production cuts two ways. It seems to think it’s a work of glam philosophy: part Rocky Horror, part Plato’s Symposium. But musicals do better to bury their abstractions, not animate and project them on scrims, however beautifully. Happily, Hedwig is plenty touching — and fun — most of the time." Full Review
"Plays based on philosophical symposia don't come louder, lewder or more gorgeously original than Hedwig and the Angry Inch...If deliberately provocative and libidinous, Hedwig packs a stronger emotional wallop than most Broadway musicals. Despite the blaring sound mix, a few songs give you chills...what aural pleasure." Full Review
"As to the question of how the scrappy, subversive 1998 cult performance piece about gender identity, transformation and pop mythology would sit on Broadway, the show, its protagonist and her pulse-pounding band tear up the Belasco stage like they own it. If screaming rock concert-style veneration is not your thing, stay home." Full Review
"The new setting affects the show’s credibility. Would a strange, struggling performer really be invited to perform on a Broadway stage? But as it is, this remains a wildly enjoyable production of one of the most exciting and inventive rock musicals of all time." Full Review
"Everyone involved in Hedwig and the Angry Inch is doing outstanding work. Longtime fans are already aware of Stephen Trask's sizzling score. As played by this gritty and grinding band, it's as fresh and vital and as rafters-ringing as it's ever been." Full Review
If your memory of this brilliant 1998 rock musical is that it works best in a grungy joint, ideally where the floors are sticky, the seats half-empty and the air heavy with tragedy, there is much about director Michael Mayer's new Broadway production to pull you up short...Hedwig, you might say, has emerged triumphant after all these years of graft and toil." Full Review
"Transformation is tricky, sometimes even painful. But Broadway’s sensational “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” is a reminder that change doesn’t have to hurt. This raucous pop-rock musical — a show with proudly ratty downtown roots and rabid fans — survives and thrives uptown." Full Review
"'How does a slip of a girly-boy from Communist East Berlin become an internationally ignored song stylist?"This is the burning -- or at least heavily winking -- question asked and answered in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," the Off-Broadway glam-rock comic musical sensation...The pertinent answers are that the unlikely Broadway show and its equally unlikely star are doing splendidly." Full Review
"As with any piece that is essentially a straight monologue by a single person, there are places where “Hedwig” slows down. But “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” is still the finest musical you’re going to see this year, about a transgendered Berliner with a chip on her shoulder." Full Review
"Like most rock ’n’ roll worthy of the name, however, especially when the word “wig” figures in the title, this production is primarily about hair...Adding to our enjoyment are Hedwig’s fanciful costumes. The physical production centred on a broken-down car, helps keep us engaged when the storytelling sags." Full Review
"Mitchell has wittily updated the text to acknowledge its Main Stem bow, and there are also references to latter-day developments, from TMZ to The Hurt Locker (envisioned here, hilariously, as a musical). But Hedwig's tragicomic essence remains the same, and under Michael Mayer's razor-sharp direction, it is a blazingly entertaining and ultimately moving performance." Full Review
"Just how edgy can Hedwig remain on the Great White Way? There is, after all, a bit of cognitive dissonance in a supposed outcast selling out a giant theater. While director Michael Mayer’s tricked-out production abandons the show’s seedy origins, there’s still a satirical edge that reflects the more upscale venue." Full Review
"The recent addition of accomplished stage and screen actor Taye Diggs as Hedwig is good news for even the most devoted fans of the cult classic, as there is much to be surprised, delighted and enlightened by in his portrayal...he commits wholeheartedly to the insecurities, complexities and idiosyncrasies of the role. Diggs’ natural presence exudes sexually dominant masculinity, making his willingness to explore the feminine experience a compelling risk – and it pays off." Full Review
"Taye Diggs' first night playing the beloved yet troubled transgender rocker from East Berlin was a success. The 44-year-old actor's performance - and no doubt his amazing physique - drew a standing ovation...While most know that Taye can act, they're finding out he has the singing voice and dance moves as well." Full Review
921 Members' Reviews
See it if you like an edgy, rock score, iconic musical with terrific performances and surprising character depth
Don't see it if you want a more traditional golden age type show and don't like rock music
See it if you are looking for a fun night at the theatre. The show is also very thought provoking and makes you think about life and love.
Don't see it if audience interaction is not for you. This show is also very sexualized.
See it if You would like to see an edgy, relevant musical with bits of comedy & drama, a great score, and a strong commentary on today's society.
Don't see it if You are transphobic (in which case, perhaps you should see it to learn some tolerance!)
See it if you wanna rock-n-roll all nite & party everyday. GREAT music, amazing band, fearless performances. Some shock-n-awe, some predictability.
Don't see it if anything sexual - gay straight bi trans whatever - makes you squeamish. Not a traditional musical by any stretch of the imagination.
See it if you like LGBTQ+ stories, men in drag, or any of the fabulous leading men (I saw it both with Andrew Rannells and Darren Criss)
Don't see it if you'd like to avoid having your heart broken--it's roughly intense and dark at times, kids, so hold on to your wigs
See it if you want to see a nearly flawless production of this incredible/powerful (I have trouble calling it this) musical. One of a kind. Special.
Don't see it if you are wanting to bring the kids. You don't like loud rock music or nontraditional shows.
Also Saw Andrew Rannels in his first week taking over for NPH. The feat tha... Read more Read less
See it if you want to see a modern musical masterpiece.
Don't see it if you don't get it.
See it if want to see a stand-out performance from an amazing leading man (e.g. Neil Patrick Harris; Andrew Rannells, Michael C. Hall...
Don't see it if you can't handle the subject of transgender or rock music.
See it if you are a "Hedhead" you must see this revival. Very clever way of bringing Hedwig's story back to date through the new setting.
Don't see it if you are not thrilled about the "concert style" in this new production.
Also Micheal C. Hall was my favorite, he brought out my favorite side of He... Read more Read less
See it if you like glam rock musicals, an incredibly talented cast, high energy and drag culture. Great job on a cult classic.
Don't see it if you are put off by drag and loud rock music.
See it if you like a poigniant rock musical about much more than a transgender rock star. Brilliant!!
Don't see it if you don't like unconventional
See it if JCM was amazing.
Don't see it if you won't, it closed.
See it if you enjoy rock music and appreciate original storytelling with a downtown NYC vibe, and the chance to see JCM reprise this juiciest of roles
Don't see it if you're a trumpeter who worships at the altar of Mike Pence.
See it if YOU'RE UP For AN Edgy Night Of Music And Dance.
Don't see it if You Can't Handle Homo-sexual or Trans Storylines
See it if You're a fan of whoever is playing Hedwig (I saw Michael C. Hall, who was incredible). You want to sit agape for the whole show, in awe.
Don't see it if You are easily overwhelmed if there is too much going on (the costumes! the sets! the singing! the story line that tackles a lot!).
See it if you like quirky, off-beat theatre. I saw all six Hedwigs and would do it again if it re-opened! Excellent music & very touching!
Don't see it if you are squeamish about gay storylines.
See it if you like rock music and want to see a weird and powerful show.
Don't see it if load rock music is not your thing or if you are very conservative.
See it if If you like the performer and enjoy rock music.
Don't see it if if you want a well thought out storyline or don't like the topic.
See it if Taye was AMAZING! Fun show.
Don't see it if You have issues with gender and sexuality.
See it if you love a powerful rock/pop score or a show that is truly hilarious/heart-breaking. Also, if you happen to live near one of the tour stops
Don't see it if you prefer lighter, more family-friendly shows. This is definitely not one to bring the kids to see.
See it if you love the story, the film, John Cameron Mitchell, or the principal actors involved. Darren Criss and Rebecca Naomi Jones: A+
Don't see it if You dislike raunchy musicals or rock music, you are easily offended.
Also This is definitely a belated review but I know the show is about to hi... Read more Read less
See it if you have a heart and love John Cameron Mitchell
Don't see it if If you need a big cast
See it if Fun and energetic show. Pretty much a one man show but still fun.
Don't see it if You are looking for a deep story
See it if You want to be one of the hip cool kids who's all over Hedwig.
Don't see it if You need to actually hear what they're singing to appreciate a musical. Worst sound design I've ever encountered.
See it if You have never seen the show before and love original stories and engaging rock scores. As a first introduction to the musical it's great.
Don't see it if You love the original production and its downtown edginess. Even though some of the changes seem minor, it lost some of its bite uptown.