I'm going to see a regional production in San Jose on Saturday. (It's my chance to take my wife to the show, which she didn't see during the tour that passed through San Francisco with Darren Criss and Lena Hall. By now, she's very familiar with the cast recording and has seen the film.)
My guess is that Hedwig isn't as big regionally because it's basically a one-person show, along with Yitzhak and the band. Hedwig seems like a really difficult part. Shoot, Lin-Manuel Miranda chimed in a few weeks ago to say it's the toughest male role to play. I'm very curious to see how it will work, especially in a small venue.
bear88 said: "Hedwig seems like a really difficult part. Shoot, Lin-Manuel Miranda chimed in a few weeks ago to say it's the toughest male role to play. I'm very curious to see how it will work, especially in a small venue."
I've played Hedwig. It is like running a triathlon while in heals and in makeup. It's a beast. There's nothing else like it, effort wise. But there's also nothing else like it, reward wise.
And I think Hedwig works best in a small venue. It gives it an immersive aspect that the show needs and thrives on. I was able to look each and every audience member in the eyes at one point in every show because we purposely kept the venue very small.
I stopped acting after Hedwig because there was no where else as intersting to go.
The fact that it's in a small venue is a selling point. Hedwig seems like a show that belongs in such a venue, even though it managed to work on Broadway and on tour in large theaters. On Saturday, I'll be in the third row (and there are only five rows). But it does seem like a daunting task for an actor, because the whole show is riding on the person playing Hedwig. Sondheimite, it sounds like you had a good experience - even if it did lead to your retirement from the stage.
bear88 said: "I'm going to see a regional production in San Jose on Saturday. (It's my chance to take my wife to the show, which she didn't see during the tour that passed through San Francisco with Darren Criss and Lena Hall. By now, she's very familiar with the cast recording and has seen the film.)
My guess is that Hedwig isn't as big regionally because it's basically a one-person show, along with Yitzhak and theband. Hedwig seems like a really difficult part. Shoot, Lin-Manuel Miranda chimed in a few weeks ago to say it's the toughest male role to play. I'm very curious to see how it will work, especially in a small venue."
I'm seeing this on Sunday in San Jose. I've never been to The Stage before and I don't know anything about Hedwig except for NPH's performance at the Tonys years ago. Hoping it's fun!
The San Jose Stage Company's performance of Hedwig and the Angry Inch was a lot of fun Saturday night. Keith Pinto does a very good job as Hedwig. I enjoyed his improvisations, which kept the show fresh, and appreciated his intensity. It's a hell of a role. Ashley Garlick was in excellent voice as Yitzhak. The intimacy of the venue (there were about 100 people there in a small theater) worked well. NYfanfromCA, I know you're seeing it cold, but that's actually the best way. I hope you enjoy it.
bear88 said: "The San Jose Stage Company's performance ofHedwig and the Angry Inch was a lot of fun Saturday night. Keith Pinto does a very good job as Hedwig. I enjoyed his improvisations, which kept the show fresh,and appreciated his intensity. It's a hell of a role. Ashley Garlick wasin excellent voice as Yitzhak.The intimacy of the venue (there were about 100 people there in a small theater) worked well. NYfanfromCA, I know you're seeing it cold, but that's actually the best way. I hope you enjoy it."
Thanks! We had a great time at Hedwig on Sunday at the matinee. The Stage in San Jose is a small venue and all the seats were good. Going in blind, we came out a little confused by the ending, so have been reading now about what it all meant. The cast was very talented. Hoping to see more shows there in the future.
joined:2/26/16
joined:
2/26/16
Posted: 12/8/17 at 6:07pm