TJ Creedon as Hedwig
In 1998, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” burst onto the off-Broadway stage with a punk rock edge and an unflinching story of self-discovery, earning cult status almost overnight.
Written by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask, the show introduced audiences to Hedwig, a genderqueer East German rock singer whose journey of survival and self-acceptance resonated with audiences in ways that felt both personal and revolutionary.
More than 25 years later, Hedwig’s story remains as relevant as ever. Open Stage’s production promises to bring Hedwig’s raw energy and poignant humor to downtown Harrisburg. Directed by Chris Gibson, the production stars TJ Creedon as Hedwig and Rachel Landon as Yitzak, running from Feb. 6 to Mar. 1 on the theater’s Capital Blue Cross Main Stage. Open Stage last staged “Hedwig” in 2009.
“It’s a rock show, but also so much more,” Gibson said. “It’s hilarious, poignant and moving—a cabaret confessional that will break down walls between the audience and the performer.”
Set against a backdrop of glam rock and gritty cabaret, Hedwig follows its titular character as she navigates the aftermath of a botched sex-change operation, a failed romance and a search for wholeness. Through it all, Hedwig grapples with love, identity and fame, delivering a story filled with both gut-wrenching honesty and biting humor.
Gibson recalls seeing “Hedwig” for the first time in the early 2000s.
“‘Hedwig’ was sexy, stunning and scary—the band was a queer-punk monster, and the music was raw glam-rock like nothing else I’d heard in theater,” he said. “That spirit is what we’re bringing to Harrisburg.”
For actor TJ Creedon, taking on the role of Hedwig has been both thrilling and daunting.
“You’re tasked with telling Hedwig’s story that spans continents and covers even more territory emotionally, so connecting to the audience is key,” he said.
Since its off-Broadway premiere, Hedwig has grown from cult favorite to cultural landmark. A 2014 Broadway revival, starring Neil Patrick Harris, won four Tony Awards, including “Best Musical Revival,” and introduced the show to a new generation of audiences.
Frederick Miller, the show’s dramaturg, believes Hedwig remains vital today.
“Hedwig’s raw, unapologetic exploration of identity and resilience was revolutionary then and remains essential today,” he said. “Its message of self-acceptance feels more urgent than ever.”
The show features a powerhouse band led by musical director Brad Barkdoll, with Dani Fiore on drums, Jeremy Blouch on bass, and Matthias Cabbell on keyboard. Scenic design is by Janos Boon, costumes by Hanniel Sindelar, and lighting by Tristan Stasiulis. Stacy Reck serves as stage manager, with Ethan Hommel and Maggie Haynes as understudies.
The production kicks off on Feb. 6 with a fundraiser benefiting the Thom Finn Impact Fund, supporting LGBTQ+ youth and those in recovery. Other highlights include an ASL-interpreted performance on Feb. 13 and a post-show discussion on Feb. 16.
Prepare for electrifying music, raw emotion and a story that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt life gave them an inch when they deserved a mile.
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” runs from Feb. 6 to Mar. 1 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For tickets and information, visit www.openstagehbg.com.
Stuart Landon serves as producing artistic director at Open Stage.
UPCOMING EVENTS
At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Feb. 6 to March 1
Black NewsBeat
With Dr. Kimeka Campbell
Feb. 12 and 26 at 7 p.m.
EFF Live!
(Erotic Fan Fiction Live!)
Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111
“Voices of the Eighth Part III: Hallowed Ground”
Sankofa African American Theatre Company &
Gamut Theatre Group
Feb. 15 to March 2
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