HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH Heralds Opening of Gate69 in Cape Town

Brilliantly innovative, heartbreaking and wickedly funny, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, the iconic rock musical, is the opening production at Gate69, Cape Town's newest theatre venue on Bree Street. The production is presented by VRG Theatrical in association with Gate69.

A landmark musical by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask, this genre-bending, fourth-wall-smashing musical sensation, with its pulsing score and electrifying performances, tells the story of one of the most unique characters to ever hit the stage. The story is about a fictional rock band fronted by an East German transgender singer called Hedwig, formerly known as Hansel, who assumes a female persona after a botched sex change operation that was performed to allow her to marry an American man and escape East Germany. The musical explores Hedwig's life and complex gender identity.

The music, written by Trask, is steeped in the androgynous 1970's 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 Iggy Pop. Originally directed in its Off-Broadway premiere in 1998 by Peter Askin, the 2014 Broadway revival, directed by Michael Mayer, won four Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical Revival. In that revival, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH record-breaking sell-out crowds at the Belasco Theatre in New York, and the local production promises to do the same in the Mother City.

The South African production will star Paul du Toit (THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, SAME TIME NEXT YEAR, BINNELANDERS) and Genna Galloway (GREASE, SHOW BOAT, NOAH OF CAPE TOWN) and will be directed by Elizma Badenhorst (I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE, THE HOT MIKADO, CARRIE: THE MUSICAL). Design is by Niall Griffin and musical direction is by Wessel Odendaal.

GATE69, perfectly positioned on Bree Street, is an intimate new 80-seat theatre that prizes itself on world class entertainment, delicious mezze cuisine and unparalleled service. Plush and ornate, the downstairs bar is perfect for those who wish to enjoy a pre-show drink or wind down after a performance. The space functions as part of the theatre as well as being a venue in its own right. This gem in the heart of the Mother City is an ideal venue to hire for corporate events, perfectly suited for launches and private functions. The face of the establishment and the hostess each evening is the ridiculously regal Cathy Specific, South Africa's very own aviation goddess and undisputed First Lady of Flying. This quintessential 'trolley dolly' is the alter ego of the multiple award-winning Brendan van Rhyn, (THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Madame Zingara's THE CELEBRATION) and is a firm favourite among theatre fans. Being greeted at the door by this 7ft, busty blonde bombshell is an experience to remember and reason enough to return!

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH is the perfect production to introduce Gate69 to Capetonians. The production runs until 27 November 2016, with tickets costing R550 per person and including a welcome drink, a mezze platter, a hot bread service and dessert. Bookings are via the box office on 0715892915 or www.gate69.co.za. Strictly no persons under 16 years of age.