Hart House Theatre to Stage Rock Musical HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH

Opening September 22, Hart House Theatre is 'stoked' to present the cult-favourite, glam-rock extravaganza, Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Directed by Hart House Theatre alumnae, Rebecca Ballarin, and starring a stellar cast, Hedwig and the Angry Inch promises to open the 2017/2018 Hart House Theatre Season on a high note.

Winner of several awards and international acclaim, this musical transforms the theatre into a wild, sexually charged punk rock show. Hedwig, our East German, rock superstar goddess, leads the band and shares their story in a delightfully raunchy way. A victim of a botched sex-change operation, which has left her with just "an angry inch", Hedwig and the Angry Inch is known for its titillating material that tells a tale of love and bittersweet regret.

We welcome Director Rebecca Ballarin back to Hart House after her successful debut with 7 Stories last season. In addition to that debut directorial project, Rebecca has performed on our stage as a student, worked as an usher while completing her studies at U of T and served as an assistant director. Rebecca is no stranger to Hedwig the rock star: While completing her studies at U of T, she directed a production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch for her graduate project. When asked what will make this production so different from others, Rebecca had this to say:

"Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a theatricalized concert; structured in a way that honors its roots in both punk rock and theatrical storytelling. The energy and spontaneity of a live concert with no fourth wall and genuine audience interaction allows Hedwig to take the audience on a personal and uniquely affecting journey.

This production embraces the show's tradition of being site-specific and set in the present moment. From the very first production meeting, the creative team has been working diligently to bring this piece to life at Hart House Theatre - an unusual place for Hedwig to be performing - in a way that acknowledges the character's means, resources, and musical influences. We're trading in bells and whistles for low-budget stage theatrics to keep the grit and heart in a piece helmed by this 'internationally ignored song-stylist'."

Helping to transform our theatre into a rockin' hot-spot are design team Shannon Lea Doyle (sets and lighting), Kathleen Black (costumes), Melissa Joakim (projections), Jeremy Hutton (sound), Blake Arsenault (wigs and hair) and Andi Clifford (make up).

IF YOU GO:

Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Book by John Cameron Mitchell
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Trask
Directed by Rebecca Ballarin

Music Drected by Giustin MacLean
Set and Lighting Design by Shannon Lea Doyle
Costume Design by Kathleen Black
Projection Design by Melissa Joakim
Sound Design by Jeremy Hutton
Wigs and Hair Design by Blake Arsenault
Make Up Design by Andi Clifford

FEATURING
James King as Hedwig

James takes his star turn in the role of a lifetime: the rock-goddess, Hedwig. Our audiences will recognize James from his featured appearances as The Baker in Into the Woods (2016) and Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar. James is a multi-faceted performer who hails from North Augusta, Ontario and is a graduate of the music theatre program at St. Lawrence College. In addition to performing for theatres, James is an independent singer-songwriter and has released his debut EP Where Will You Take Me in early 2017. His band, James King & The MidnightHours, currently holds a residency at The Amsterdam Bicycle Club and performs regularly throughout the city. Read more >>

Lauren Mayer as Yitzhak
Lauren makes her debut performance on our stage as Yitzhak; Hedwig's stoic husband. Born and raised in Toronto, Lauren is a graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts (2014), and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (2015), where she obtained her Master's Degree in Musical Theatre Performance. In addition to performing, Lauren co-owns the Production Company, Call It A Day Productions.

Running Sept. 22-Oct. 7, 2017:
Week 1: Fri. & Sat., 8 pm
Week 2: Wed. to Sat., 8 pm
Week 3: Wed. to Sat., 8 pm and Sat., 2 pm

Postshow Talkbacks: Sat., Sept. 23 and Thurs., Sept. 28
Preshow Artist Chat: Sat., Oct. 7 at 1 pm

Single Ticket Prices: Adults: $28; Seniors: $17; Students: $15
$12 Student tickets every Wednesday night

Box Office: 416.978.8849 | tickets.harthouse.ca

Established in 1919, Hart House Theatre is the University of Toronto's Performing Arts Leader. Since its inception, the theatre's unique mix of young professionals, alumni, and students has garnered the theatre a reputation as a cultural destination for not only the community of U of T but also the city of Toronto.

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!