‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ Makes a Mile-High Entrance at Pantages Theatre

Ariel Ostrowiecki

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” the smash hit Broadway musical about a fictional rock and roll band led by a genderqueer East German singer weaves a timeless story of love and identity that’s coated with a heavy rock flavor.  Starring Tony Award Winner Lena Hall and Glee’s Darren Criss, this road show of “Hedwig” brings its dynamic score and riveting tale to audiences at the Pantages starting Nov. 1.  

The original book by John Cameron Mitchell was inspired by his life as the son of a U.S. Army officer.  When he was a child, his babysitter was a German army wife who was moonlighting as a prostitute. Mitchell reimagined the character of Hedwig, a rock and roll star who performs at diners with his band, The Angry Inch. A chance encounter on an airplane led Mitchell to collaborate with Stephen Trask, who provided the music and lyrics.  Hedwig serves as a sensitive, outlandish, and complex character who challenges the politically correct and aims to win over the hearts of the audience with his life narrative told through song.

Songs such as “Sugar Daddy” give the musical a lighthearted rock anthem, while the more emotional “Origin of Love” takes the audience into Hedwig’s soul with this endearing ballad about her own personal experience with love.  Having a large spectrum of music that caters to the many thoughts and feelings of the characters, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” eats away at societal expectations of love, gender, and rock ‘n’ roll.

The latest Broadway production of Hedwig earned four Tonys and starred Neil Patrick Harris. This production features Criss in the role of Hedwig, while Lena Hall plays his drag queen husband Yitzhak as they tour with their band across the country.  The audience learns of the emotional abuse that Yitzhak inflicts on Hedwig, while Hedwig reveals the story of her journey to the United States to find her soulmate.  The show offers a moving story, powerful music, and unforgettable characters.

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” runs at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre Nov. 1 to Nov. 27.  Lena Hall will be playing Hedwig on these dates and times. Tickets can be found here.