This musical has been around in one form or another, for coming up to three decades, and has the type of structure that can be altered and updated to keep it relevant in the moment.
This revival production hangs on a powerhouse performance by Seann Miley Moore as Hedwig Robinson, the genderqueer singer/songwriter from East Berlin, prior to the wall coming down. The other significant character on stage is Hedwig’s husband, Yitzhak (superbly played by Adam Noviello) a constantly put upon character devoted to, yet despising Hedwig.
There is audience participation that gives the production a very edgy quality, the foyer and outside make-shift courtyard is dressed to represent East Berlin, even the seating and wristbands allocated to the audience segregate between different significant places. This immersive quality is very fun. Once the show starts it rockets along.
Co-Directors Shane Anthony and Dino Dimitriadis have created a beautifully seedy version of the production that boldly entertains from start to finish, while touching on many controversial subjects.
The band are sensational, the choreography, costumes and set -fabulous, creating atmosphere that serves the story perfectly. In the overall scheme of things due to the exceptional talents on stage, this production is most likely to impress anyone attending, it is that sort of show.
Hedwig’s story is pretty awful and definitely embellished by their own narcissism, but that’s what you’ll fall in love with. Elements of Chicago, Cabaret, The Threepenny Opera, Tommy, Rocky Horror and other truly great works of musical theatre have informed this nasty (but triumphant) creation.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch is at The Queens Theatre as part of Adelaide Festival until 15 March. Get tickets here.
