by Jody Tuso-Key – Managing Editor

Everyone experiences existential crises at certain points in life. A time-out, often brought about by change, which causes one to re-evaluate their existence is both normal and healthy. It may be due to internal or external forces, and each person deals with the aftermath in their own unique way. Actor’s Express presents the autobiographical imaginings of such a crisis with HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, a story about love, loss, and identity. It is a powerful and moving musical that has resonated with audiences around the world. This is the 3rd offering of Hedwig by Actor’s Express, having produced it in 2002, and again in 2008. While Hedwig the musical and subsequent movie opened to limited success, it has become a cult classic especially for those in the LGBTQ+ community. If you’ve seen this show in the past, be ready to look at it through a new and widening lens as the topic of gender has evolved since the last production 15 years ago. I’d like to say BRAVO to AE for taking us on this eye-opening ride one again. 

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a rock musical with music and lyrics by John Cameron Mitchell and a book by Mitchell and Stephen Trask. It tells the story of Hedwig Robinson, a transgender woman who was born Hansel Schmidt in East Germany. Hedwig marries an American soldier and escapes to the United States, but her botched sex reassignment surgery leaves her with an “angry inch” of unreconstructed penis. The musical follows Hedwig as she travels across the United States with her band, The Angry Inch, performing songs about her life and relationships. The music is steeped in the androgynous 1970s glam rock style of David Bowie, John Lennon, and punk rockers Lou Reed and Iggy Pop.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch premiered off-Broadway in 1998 and transferred to Broadway in 2001. It was nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The musical was adapted into a film in 2001, directed by Mitchell. Its most recent success came in 2014, where it received a Tony for best revival of a musical with Neil Patrick Harris in the leading role, later replaced by Darren Criss.

Mitchell, who himself came out as non-binary in 2022, explained that Hedwig is not a trans woman, but a genderqueer character. “She’s more than a woman or a man,” he has said. “She’s a gender of one and that is accidentally so beautiful.” He also stated that, while Hedwig is meant to be a queer voice, she is not meant to be specifically transgender as the sex change operation was not a choice. “Hedwig doesn’t speak for any trans community, because she was mutilated.”

With that in mind, Actor’s Express has double cast the show with Christina Leidel and Niko Carleo as Hedwig. Isa Martinez plays Yitzhak, Hedwig’s current love interest. There is also the band AKA “The Angry Inch”, consisting of  JoAnn Pfeiffer (guitar), Dan Bauman (bass/vocals), Jen Hodges (drums), and Gamble (keys/guitar). 

I saw the show last Wednesday with Christina Leidel as Hedwig. AE has done a great job transforming its versatile space into a seedy nightclub. When Hedwig opens the door upstage to allude to her former lover Tommy’s band playing across the alley, the sound is believable. Audiences actually feel drawn and become part of the illusion. Kudos to scenic designer Stephanie Busing, costume designer April Carswell, and lighting designers Maranda Debusk for nailing the nightclub milieu. Also a special shout out to sound designer Zach Bennett for mixing a flawless show. 

Christina is superb as Hedwig and her tall, sleek stature accentuated by platform heels makes her look larger than life. I was also delighted to see Isa Martinez as Yitzak, Hedwig’s current husband and complement. I know Isa from their work at the Aurora Apprentice Company, and their talent shone in this role. The vocals these two belted out were beyond compare. They also both mastered a German accent which made the show that much more believable. These two performers along with the band create a memorable and thought-provoking evening. 

On a personal note, I especially enjoyed this show as the mother of a non-binary child. I’ve seen my oldest, whom I love dearly, struggle through their 20s and learn to express themselves through art – music, theater, and choreography. As they explore and grow, they’ve found a place where they can work, express their individuality, and feel loved and accepted, which is what every human hopes to find from this crazy roller-coaster of a life. If you’re ever in the Tallahassee area, stop by The Rose Room and say hello to Genie. 

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH is Speakeysie recommended for mature audiences. Get your tickets today at https://actors-express.com/play-page-hedwig-and-the-angry-inch/,