“Ladies and gentlemen, whether you like it or not, HEDWIG!” John Cameron Mitchell’s opening line to his queer masterpiece Hedwig and the Angry Inch reverberates through the theatre as “America the Beautiful” begins to sound on the electric guitar. Though technically a musical, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a rock concert, history lesson, and most of all, an emotionally charged story about finding our other half. Directed by Meredith Shedden, this production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch gets back to its underground roots in a way John Cameron Mitchell would absolutely be proud of.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch tells the story of Hansel, a young man living in East Berlin in the late 80’s. Desperate to go to America, Hansel undergoes surgery to become Hedwig, the name also belonging to her mother. However, the soldier whose love and marriage got her there falls short soon after their arrival and Hedwig finds herself alone in a foreign country. She tells us about her rise to infamy in the music scene alongside her supposed-soulmate Tommy Gnosis. Her current husband, Yitzhak, is ever present on stage, yet is more of a quiet, diva-abused roadie than Hedwig’s partner. The tension between the two of them is palpable, however it leads to Hedwig’s ultimate revelation and evolution.

Performing these iconic roles are Jessie James (James Petrasunias) as Hedwig and Luca McPhee as Yitzhak. Jessie James is a fantastic performer who entirely embodies Hedwig in this production. From the top of their wig to the bottom of their platform shoes, they gave me everything I wanted in a Hedwig. I’m truly hoping I’ll be cheering them on on Drag Race Canada very soon! Knowing what McPhee is capable of from their recent musical performances, I was thrilled to watch them let loose, rock out, and hit those astounding high notes which Stephen Trask has given to Yitzhak in his score. McPhee is certainly an artist who I keep my eye out for when I see the casting for a musical; they certainly haven’t disappointed me thus far!

Having the live band, also dubbed “The Angry Inch” on stage throughout the show was perfect. Led by music director and keyboardist Ethan Rotenberg, this talented group delivers Trask’s hard rock score with ferocity. Michael Ippolito, Steven John Dale, and Nazariy Zymbovych reminded me why I come back to this cast album again and again. 

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is very much a period-piece, even if that period is the 90’s. There’s something about the in-your-face and matter-of-fact way in which Hedwig talks about what’s happened to her which speaks to the struggles of queer people at the time. However, this production adds messaging to the costumes and set design which bring it into the 2020’s with the same heart as Mitchell’s original. I loved that on the Berlin Wall, which comprises the back drop for the set, along with Hedwig’s cape is written “Protect Trans Kids” and “Trans Lives Matter.” Considering the content of the play along with the seemingly constant attack on the trans community in society, this was a poignant, beautiful choice which resonated deeply with me; it highlighted the importance of the visibility which Hedwig and the Angry Inch has been giving for trans people since its initial run in 1998.

Quynh Diep and Irene Ly totally hit the nail on the head in terms of the set and costume design for this production. The Berlin Wall backdrop, which then also allows for projection, is appropriately littered with graffiti. They’ve transformed the Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace into a grungy locale in which Hedwig is performing. Ly’s costumes, particularly for Hedwig, are a perfectly 90’s punk/glam rock combo, even extending to the band. Special mention goes to Alex Grozdanis; the projections, particularly for “The Origin of Love” looked almost exactly like the film, and it brought me such great joy to see that portrayed in this production. 

And of course, there’s the wigs. Brandon Darrel and Hannah Dulong have clearly worked tirelessly on making these wigs and having them easily function within the show, as there are some very quick wig changes/reveals they have to contend with. The wigs were simultaneously familiar and new, and the performers looked like they were having a blast getting to wear them. 

Hedwig and the Angry Inch remains a seminal piece of queer theatre, and reminds us why Hedwig’s story still needs to be told today. With a score you won’t soon get out of your head performed by two powerhouse vocalists, you won’t want to miss Bowtie Production’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch. It runs at the Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace until September 7th. For more information and tickets, visit: https://bowtieproductions.ca

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Cover Photo: Jessie James, Luca McPhee. Photo by Taylor Long

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