Hedwig has arrived in Melbourne just in time for pride month, and she’s not leaving quietly!
For the uninitiated, Hedwig and the Angry Inch follows the extraordinary story of Hedwig Robinson, a “genderqueer East German rock singer” who, after a botched gender-affirming surgery (leaving her with the titular “angry inch”), reinvents herself in pursuit of love, fame, and ultimately, wholeness in the most rock n’ roll way possible.
It’s a story of heartbreak, and the relentless pursuit of finding your true self, all set to an electrifying 1970s glam-punk inspired soundtrack that channels everyone from David Bowie to Iggy Pop.
Conceived by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask, the musical first exploded onto the off-Broadway scene in 1998, quickly claiming its cult status.
The show’s success led to a film adaptation in 2001, also directed by and starring John Cameron Mitchell, which further broadened Hedwig’s reach and cemented its place in queer cinema history. The film is where my plus one and I first heard this story, so on a cold Melbourne night we were excited to see it presented on stage with an Aussie cast.
The Australian production is nothing short of spectacular. Leading the charge as the unforgettable Hedwig is the stunning Seann Miley Moore. Moore embodies Hedwig with a ferocious blend of wit, vulnerability, and charism. You won’t be able to take your eyes off them.
From the moment they belt out the opening song, we were utterly captivated.
Moore’s vocal prowess is breathtaking, navigating the demanding rock score with a power and finesse that will give you goosebumps.
They seamlessly transition from razor-sharp comedic timing to soul-baring honesty, making Hedwig’s pain and triumph palpable. Their performance of the show’s most iconic songs “The Origin of Love,” “Midnight Radio,” and “Sugar Daddy,” will stay with you long after the final curtain.
Alongside Moore, Adam Noviello shines as Yitzhak, Hedwig’s long-suffering husband and backup singer. Often relegated to the shadows, Noviello brings a quiet intensity and a deeply felt longing to the role, making Yitzhak’s journey to self-liberation incredibly impactful.
Hedwig’s band, The Angry Inch are also excellent and perform on stage for the entire show. Led by Musical Director Victoria Falconer on keyboards (who also provides stellar backup vocals), with Glenn Moorhouse on guitar, Felicity Freeman on bass, and Jarrad Payne on drums, they kept the energy moving and our feet tapping.
We also loved Hedwig’s glam-rock / trailer trash costumes which were a fabulous and eclectic cacophony of glitter-bombed double denim, faux fur, and wigs for days.
Co-directors Shane Anthony and Dino Dimitriadis have done a masterful job in navigating the musical’s complex themes of gender identity, trauma, and transformation. They’ve injected contemporary references that remind us just how relevant Hedwig’s story remains in today’s conversations around trans rights and visibility.
The result is a show that is loud, proud, unapologetic, and profoundly human.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Athenaeum is a celebration of individuality and a defiant roar against conformity.
If you’re looking for theatre that will challenge you, move you, and make you want to jump up and head-bang, then run, don’t walk, to see this show.
– The Plus Ones
