Transmission on the Midnight Radio: Toronto production of Hedwig is coming for you

 
When a film is described as having a ‘cult’ following, Rocky Horror and The Room spring to mind. As ‘amazing’ as these films are, Hedwig & The Angry Inch stands alone as a cult phenomenon with a great story, biting humour, and brilliant punk-rock tunes. Written and performed by John Cameron Mitchell, with music by Stephen Trask, the play quickly evolved into an award-winning film. Everyone from Meat Loaf to Spoon has covered songs from the score. Now, nearly two decades after Hedwig was conceived at Squeezebox in NYC, Toronto’s Breathe.Feel.Love.Arts initiative will bring their rendition of Hedwig to the stage at Le National. Directed by Penelope Corrin, the play/rock show features Seth Drabinsky as the struggling East-German transgender glam-rocker, backed by a full band. I spoke with production manager Laura Cournoyea about why you absolutely cannot miss the upcoming gig.

What makes Seth Drabinsky’s portrayal of Hedwig so unique?
Like any great actor that plays a captivating role, Seth bonds with Hedwig on a personal level. He finds the truth and depth in the character and finds the heartbreak that his audience can relate to. 

Why do you think Hedwig has cemented such a loyal following of Hedheads?
The play itself is about finding love, this is what people find in her story to be so compelling and universal. We are still living in a society that is exploring sexuality and our ideas of what love means, and this show further explores those themes.

When touring, how does the venue affect the performance?
A venue can make or break a performance. We’ve performed in a large variety of spaces that range from a 100-seat pub to a 500-seat theatre. In our smaller venues, we’ve had to fight against technical issues and unpredictable audiences but have gained a sense of intimacy. In larger venues, we were lucky to experience smoother runs but sometimes have had to sacrifice the intimate setting that we enjoy. We’re extremely excited to be at a venue as beautiful and welcoming as Le National. 

Since Hedwig is different from other plays because it’s a full-on punk show melded with a monologue, how does your approach change because of this?
Hedwig and The Angry Inch is an interesting amalgamation of theatre and rock-and-roll. We have to focus on both the aesthetic of our music, as well as delve deep into the characters and the story being told. It’s a fine balance between providing a relatable story while still rocking out. 

 

 

Hedwig and the Angry Inch
February 12 at 8 p.m.
Le National | 1220 Ste-Catherine E. | breathefeellove.com
Tickets available at La Tulipe, Cruella Boutique, and admission.com