Hedwig and the Angry Inch: An anatomically In-correct Rock Musical.
Book by John Cameron Mitchell
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Trask
When Texas Light Opera (TLO) was founded, its principle desire was to popularize classical work and music materials through new theatrical productions. Last year TLO was presented with multiple Alamo Theatre Arts Council Awards and Broadway World awards including “Best Musical” for its small professional touring production of “The Last Five Years,” by Jason Robert Brown. TLO now partners with Aria Creative Productions to present a unique production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch this summer. The smash rock musical touches on themes such as love and loss, overcoming personal tragedy, the power dynamics inherent in human relationships, mental illness and issues of gender and identity.
Hedwig opened Off-Broadway in 1998 and won the Obie Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical. The story follows Hedwig Robinson (Roy Thomas), a transgender East German singer of a fictional rock-n-roll band, who is the victim of a botched sex change operation which has left him, now her, with just “an angry inch.” The rock singer’s relentless search for love and her other half is performed in song and monologue in the form of a gig backed by a rock band “The Angry Inch.” Notable songs painting the picture include “The Origin of Love” and “Sugar Daddy.” Multi-award winning actress and director, Morgan Clyde, will play the role of Yitzhak, one of Hedwig’s love interests and a singer in the band.
The music is steeped in the androgynous 1970s glam rock style of David Bowie (who co-produced the Los Angeles production of the show), as well as the work of John Lennon and early punk performers Lou Reed and Iggy Pop. Jaime Ramirez, the show’s music director, says he is excited to be part of the production and will play the part of the keyboard player. Tickets: HedwigMusical.bpt.me
The story draws on writer Mitchell’s life as the son of a U.S. Army major general who once commanded the U.S. sector of occupied West Berlin. The character of Hedwig was inspired by a German divorced U.S. Army wife who was Mitchell’s family babysitter and moonlighted as a prostitute at her trailer park home in Junction City, Kansas. It’s been ten years since the show has been in San Antonio.
The production is a conglomeration of a theatrical performance, rock concert and standup/improv. The performers routinely interact with the audience and break through the fourth wall.
Performances will feature pre-show opening acts from local performance troupes including musicians, street performers, drag artists and burlesque performers. Vendors and local artists will sell their wares and creations in the lobby before and after the show. The Saturday afternoon show will be a benefit for Fiesta Youth, Pride San Antonio and American Veterans for Equal Rights. We hope to shine a spotlight on our local artists and charities to help enrich our community. A small reception will be held after each performance to meet, greet and network. The benefiting charities provide much needed social services benefiting LGBT persons and youth in our community.
From East Berlin to Junction City, Kansas and beyond, Hedwig’s story is outrageous, hilarious, and at times, unexpectedly poignant and surprisingly truthful. Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a rocking ride that’s sure to inspire anyone who has felt life gave them an inch when they deserved a mile. Tickets: HedwigMusical.bpt.me
To help with production costs, an Indiegogo page has been set up at https://www.indiegogo.com/at/hedwigsatx
Cast and Creative Team:
Director: Dave Stone-Robb
Musical Direction: Jaime Ramirez
Set Design: Jonathan Schell
Lighting Design: Josh Dominguez
Sound Design: Serenity Autumn
Costume Design (Hedwig/Yitzhak): Susie Hamilton
Makeup/Wig Design (Hedwig/Yitzhak): Nicholas Adams Bordovsky
Choreography: Jay Brooks
Hedwig: Roy Thomas
Yitzhak: Morgan Clyde
The Angry Inch (Hedwig’s Band)—
Guitar: Jesse James
Bass: Alan Miller
Keys: Jaime Ramirez
Drums: Kristi Tabersmith
When:
Thursday-Sunday,
July 11 – July 14, 2019
Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm
Saturday Charity Performance at 3pm
Sunday at 4pm
Where:
Woodlawn Pointe a Center for Community
702 Donaldson Avenue
(directly opposite Jefferson High School)
San Antonio, TX, 78201
Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a co-production of Texas Light Opera and Aria Creative Productions and
presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service Inc., New York
License#: SO_00000563057
Tickets: HedwigMusical.bpt.me
