About the Album: John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask's gender-bending, heartbreaking musical soundtrack, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, has already become something of a cult classic, particularly with indie-rockers, so Wig in a Box: Songs From and Inspired by Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which features artists ranging from Yoko Ono to They Might Be Giants, brings the phenomenon full circle. Hedwig's mix of punk, glam, pop, and sweet ballads leaves plenty of room for interpretation, and fortunately the cast of artists that participate in this project have strong enough musical identities that the album doesn't devolve into a karaoke party for hipsters. Even though Wig in a Box does have its share of pleasant-enough renditions, such as Rufus Wainwright's and Jonathan Richman's versions of "The Origin of Love" that bookend the album, and Imperial Teen's synth-poppy take on "Freaks," the collection has more than enough great performances to make it worthwhile for Hedwig fans, as well as fans of the artists here. Many of the best performances make the most of the fluidity of gender and sexuality that Hedwig and the Angry Inch revolves around: Sleater-Kinney and Fred Schneider's "Angry Inch" uses Corin Tucker's ferocious wail to depict the horror of Hedwig's botched sex change operation, and Scheider's bitchy delivery for bon mots like "I was bleeding from the gash between my legs -- it's my first day as a woman and already it's that time of the month?" Frank Black's "Sugar Daddy," which sounds like some twisted relation of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues," is one of the album's most vibrant songs, reclaiming some of the Pixies' subversiveness as Black enthuses about "the thrill of control" and snarls, "You buy me that dress and I'll be more woman than you can stand." Black's former bandmate Kim Deal scores another of the album's highlights on the Breeders' "Wicked Little Town," which captures the tentative, elliptical beauty of Title TK in a wonderfully warm and intimate performance. Ben Kweller, Ben Folds, and Ben Lee's response version of the song is nearly as good, with Kweller's vulnerable singing playing Tommy Gnosis to Deal's Hedwig. The Polyphonic Spree and Spoon are responsible for two of the album's best, and most different moments, with the Spree's ecstatic version of "Wig in a Box" suiting both the song and their style to a 'T', and Spoon's "Tear Me Down" recalling the tension and fury of the Who and the Rolling Stones in their prime. Yoko Ono and Yo La Tengo's "Hedwig's Lament / Exquisite Corpse" strikes a similar chord, moving from ghostly, nearly alien vocals and music into fierce punk. On the other hand, They Might Be Giants' bittersweet "The Long Grift" makes nearly as much impact with a lot less volume. The collection's new songs, Robyn Hitchcock's tense but sweet "City of Women," and John Cameron Mitchell & Stephen Trask's "Milford Lake," also go in a surprisingly subdued direction. The album's only true stumble is Bob Mould's dance version of "Nailed," which tries to take the song's eroticism in the clubby direction of his latest work. While it's not entirely successful, it is unique. Fortunately, nearly all of Wig in a Box is both unique and successful, and considering that its proceeds go to the Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of the Harvey Milk School, a place of learning and counseling for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, the album's cause and its music are both worthwhile. ~ Heather Phares, Rovi
Label: Off Records
Photos: A Is For's Broadway Acts for Abortion Concert Raises $120K
by Nicole Rosky
- October 02, 2023
Broadway Acts for Abortion just took place, bringing together the best of Broadway, karaoke, live auctions, surprise guests, all while raising $120k- critical funds and awareness about reproductive justice. Check out photos from inside the big night!
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by Chloe Rabinowitz
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The Flynn has announced its 2021-2022 Broadway season, which welcomes fan-favorite blockbusters, side-splitting improv theater, and shows that appeal to the whole family. The season gets started with the much-anticipated return of the annual showcase Burlington Does Broadway on December 31.
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by Stephi Wild
- June 29, 2020
While Broadway remains shut down, BroadwayWorld is keeping up with your favorite stars and giving you a peek at what they have been up to! Check out this weekend's highlights from some of your favorites, including Patti LuPone, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Todrick Hall, and more!
The 101 Greatest Showtunes from 1920-2020
by Peter Nason
- March 19, 2020
How do we make a list of the 101 greatest show tunes from the past 100 years? Well, we did the near-impossible task. Check out our full list here!
BWW Review: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH at Hongik University Art Center Grand Theater, 'The Story of Hedwig'
by Jimin Lee
- October 13, 2019
People jumping around, loud rock music blasting, people on stage throwing water onto the audiencea?? From first glance, you would have thought that this was a rock concert, however, you are mistaken! This is no rock concert or any concert at all, it is the curtain call of a musical. One of Korea's most beloved shows, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH has come back for a new production with upgraded clothing and new actors joining the company. The captivating Hedwig returned to Korea on August 6th at Hongik University Art Center Grand Theater.
Cast Announced for Theo Ubique's HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH
by Julie Musbach
- May 03, 2019
Cast, director and designers have been announced for HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, the thoughtfully funny and hard-rocking musical by Stephen Trask and John Cameron Mitchell that will close out Theo Ubique's first season in its new home on Howard Street in Evanston.
EDINBURGH 2018: BWW Review: JOHN PARTRIDGE: Stripped, Assembly
by Natalie O'Donoghue
- August 05, 2018
Stripped is a new beginning. A reintroduction of myself. Life has a way of hardening you, at least mine has. This is my attempt at shedding those skins, saying goodbye to part of myself and embracing someone I knew a long time ago. Through film, music, poetry, song and dance, I share my story and in turn ask the audience to consider theirs. From boy to man, sexuality, sobriety, success, love and loss. My pictures, memories, moments. Featuring original music and choreography alongside the soundtrack of my life. Bowie, Bush, Buckley and more..
Photo Flash: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH Rocks San Jose Stage Co.
by A.A. Cristi
- June 04, 2018
Wrapping up their 2017-18 Season 'Truth & Illusion' East German rock-goddess Hedwig takes The Stage! Hedwig and her band The Angry Inch will be rocking all summer with their hit smash-hits like; 'Tear Me Down', 'The Origin of Love', 'Sugar Daddy', & 'Wig in a Box'. Don't miss this outrageous and hilarious tour that transcends boundaries!
Theo Ubique Announces 2018-19 Season
by Julie Musbach
- June 04, 2018
Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, which recently closed out its 13-year residency in Rogers Park's venerable No Exit Cafe, has revealed the lineup of shows for its first season in its new venue at 721 Howard Street, Evanston. The company's Founding Artistic Director Fred Anzevino made the announcement today at a gathering of company donors and friends that served as a farewell to the No Exit Cafe at 6970 N. Glenwood Avenue.
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