Darren is Hedwig
- Kris
- May 4, 2015
- 3 min read
At least he is for a couple hours a week for the next 11 weeks or so.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a new musical for me. I have a friend who saw the show when NPH was starring in it, and I have seen the 2014 Tony's, so I at least had the show on my radar. But I didn't know much about the story, themes, or music (beyond the shock value of "Sugar Daddy"). I watched the movie in preparation only a couple days before Darren's premiere.
Here's the thing. This is Darren in his element. The show's style fits his voice - it's designed to be like a rock show, intense and raw. The show addresses questions of identity and understanding of the self, and Hedwig is a complex character, both empowered and vulnerable. It's a wonderful role for Darren in his return to Broadway, and he owns it.
I went to the Saturday matinee, so the stage-door had to wait until after the evening show. In the meantime, we stuck around the theater and bonded with other fans who were waiting.
We got signatures from Rebecca Naomi Jones, the amazing voice behind Yitzhak. Her performance was awesome. Once she started singing, I wanted to hear much more from her. Her character, however, is supposed to feel suppressed under Hedwig, so when Yitzhak actually sings it's a magical moment. Rebecca's voice is amazing, and I told her upon meeting her, that I just wanted to keep listening to her singing.
For hours we stood behind the barricades, waiting and shivering in the cold. Around 11:30, Darren came out to sign our playbills and posters. Darren is always so genuine with his fans, and every moment is magical. It was a privilege to see others in the crowd having their interactions with him; the excitement was palpable.
When he came around to me, I told him that I'd been a fan for a long time and that the show was wonderful. I think he truly appreciated the praise – he looked up from my playbill, grasped my arm, and thanked me before moving on to sign for the people next to me.
I tried to shift out of the crowd and must’ve made an audible sound since there was nowhere to go. He clasped my arm again and said it would be all right. I wonder if he took pity on me with my blue lips and wind-burned skin. Then he told me he liked my Orioles sweatshirt and revealed that he had dressed up in costume as Cal Ripken Jr. three times. I believe he said three years in a row, so I am guessing Halloween. But don't quote me on that.
It was an exhausting 24 hours, but worth every second and every penny. The memories and souvenirs keep me fulfilled and happy. I am, and will always be, grateful to be a part of this community. Not just the community that is comprised of fans of Darren, but also fans of art and music, fans of theater and story-telling.
Thank you, Darren, for your enthusiasm and guidance. You are an inspiration always.
To the writers, producers, staff, and cast of Hedwig – This is the type of show that makes history and leaves behind an important legacy. Thank you for being a crucial part of it, for bringing it to the stage again for us to enjoy. You make this show shine. Like the brightest star, of course.
Edited June 2015 from post originally published May 4, 2015 via Wordpress
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