Swarovski Crystals Featured in HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH's Costumes on Broadway

Swarovski crystals are "shining like the brightest star" in costumes for Broadway's Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The musical is now in previews at the Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street) and will open Tuesday, April 22.

Two-time Oscar nominated costume designer Arianne Phillips has once again partnered with Swarovski to emblazon the costumes of Hedwig Robinson (played by Neil Patrick Harris). Phillips' designs for the iconic character utilize over 500,000 Swarovski crystals to bring the story of the "internationally ignored song stylist" to vibrant life.

Arianne Phillips said, "Swarovski has been unbelievable in their support of my work and when I was presented with the opportunity to design HEDWIG for Broadway, their fabulous elements became a key part of my vision. The most exciting part was utilizing new innovations in Swarovski Elements products from the crystal fabric in Hedwig's opening costume, to the various elements such as crystal beaded fringe on the denim look to the brilliant elements that are featured in her 'Wig in a Box' costume. Swarovski is all over this production and I couldn't be happier to have them join me on Hedwig's journey."

Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, said, "It's always wonderful working with Arianne, and we're excited to collaborate with her once again on her Broadway debut. Hedwig's 1970s glam rock aesthetic is all about sparkling, androgynous allure, and if you add Arianne's limitless imagination and half a million Swarovski crystals into the mix, you get an unforgettable stage spectacle."

HEDWIG marks Phillips' Broadway debut as a costume designer. She previously designed costumes for the 2001 film version of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and received Oscar nominations for her work in Walk the Line and W.E. Philips has also partnered with Swarovski on multiple concert tours with Madonna, including the 2012 MDNA tour and the 2008 Sticky & Sweet tour. She is one of the most unique costume designers in the entertainment industry, a gifted visual artist who brings her exemplary eye to film, fashion, and music.

Swarovski delivers a diverse product portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, Swarovski Crystal Business designs, manufactures and markets crystals, natural and created gemstones, finished products such as jewelry, accessories and lighting. The company's film division, Swarovski Entertainment, produces artistically accomplished feature films with global box-office appeal. The Swarovski Foundation was set up to honor the philanthropic spirit of the company by supporting creativity and culture, promoting wellbeing and conserving natural resources. Now run by the fifth generation of family members, Swarovski Crystal Business has a global reach, with over 2 350 stores in about 170 countries, 25,135 employees and revenues of 2.38 billion Euros in 2012. Together with its sister companies Swarovski Optik (optical devices) and Tyrolit (abrasive), Swarovski Crystal Business forms the Swarovski Group. In 2012, the Group generated revenues of 3.08 billion Euros and employed 30,600 people.

Neil Patrick Harris' return to Broadway in the new production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, the musical with book by John Cameron Mitchell and music and lyrics by Stephen Trask, directed by Michael Mayer is now in previews. The limited engagement, featuring Lena Hall (Kinky Boots, lead singer of The Deafening), will open Tuesday, April 22 at the Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street).

"Internationally ignored song stylist" Hedwig Robinson (Neil Patrick Harris) brings her fourth-wall-smashing rock and roll saga to New York to set the record straight about her life, her loves, and the botched operation that left her with that "angry inch."

HEDWIG is Harris' first appearance on Broadway since he starred as The Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald in the 2004 Tony-winning revival of Assassins. His other Broadway credits include Proof and Cabaret. He recently wrapped the final season of the beloved CBS comedy "How I Met Your Mother" and has been honored with four Emmy Awards: three for his acclaimed hosting of the Tony Awards and another for his guest-starring role on "Glee." His upcoming film projects include Fox's Gone Girl, Universal's A Million Ways to Die in the West, and Disney/Pixar's The Good Dinosaur.

HEDWIG has inspired a generation of young theatre writers and audiences. This wickedly funny and heartbreaking show was called "the Best Rock Musical Ever" by Rolling Stone and "the most exciting rock score written for the theatre since, oh, ever," by Time Magazine.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

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