Melbourne Reviews

Musicals can get a bad rap; the old-school 1940s-style “classics” are often filled with outdated concepts and blatantly offensive racial and gender stereotypes or are, as Gen Z would say, simply “cringe.” Which is why when a musical as wild and wonderful as Hedwig and the Angry Inch comes along, it must be celebrated.

The rock musical by Stephen Trask and John Cameron Mitchell has been a much-loved diamond in the rough production since its off-Broadway conception in 1998.

The plot centres around Hedwig, a genderqueer singer from East Berlin who escapes the oppressive society of post-WWII Germany when an American soldier offers them a new life, albeit at a price.

Set as a live music performance with the band as much a part of the show as Hedwig herself, it’s an intimate performance, and the Athenaeum Theatre works well for this production, especially when Hedwig is given the opportunity to go rogue, crawling over audience members with delight.

Played by Seann Miley Moore, who most recently thrilled audiences with their take on Miss Saigon’s Engineer (or EnginQueer), is outstanding as Hedwig. Their powerhouse vocals are perfectly matched to the sleazy, cheeky and sometimes brutal character of Hedwig.

The unfortunate bearer of much of Hedwig’s brutality is Yitzhack, Hedwig’s husband and bandmate. A former drag queen who has given up their space in the spotlight in order for Hedwig to shine, Yitzhak is the underdog you’re not quite sure you’re cheering for. Adam Noviello takes on this role with a special gleam that is both full of self-loathing and comedic brilliance. The dry Eastern European humour is the perfect counter to Hedwig’s sexually explicit dialogue.

The score is nothing short of a certified banger. Jam-packed with 1970s glam rock-inspired songs and early punk influences, Moore gyrates, grinds and belts out this epic soundtrack with glee.

From The Origin of Love, inspired by the Ancient Greek Plato’s Symposium, to the gloriously camp Sugar Daddy and the sweetly sung Wig in a Box, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a roller coaster of emotions. A story of desperation and hope, of leaving part of yourself behind in order to become something new (quite literally in Hedwig’s case), of betrayal, forgiveness and acceptance.

Difficult to define but an absolute joy to watch, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is wonderfully entertaining. Running at 90 minutes without an interval, it’s the perfect way to escape the dreary Melbourne winter and add a touch of spice to your week.