All Heel NPH!!
02. Apr, 2014 
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Hedwig & The Angry Inch
On Broadway
Belasco Theater
Debut Preview Performance
March 29, 2014
Neil Patrick Harris put on some make-up, turned up the 8-track, and pulled a wig down from the shelf.  And like that – POOOOF, NPH went from Doogie Howser/that guy from HIMYM/The Tony’s host to Broadway’s newest star, transforming and disappearing behind the East German transgender superstar in his/her own mind – Hedwig
Originally a cult off-Broadway musical, created and performed by John Cameron Mitchell (with music & lyrics by Stephen Trask), and then turned into a cult underloved film (which I know the material from best), Hedwig and The Angry Inch has now been glitzed and glammed up for the Great White Way.  Fans of the musical will have no issue with the super-sized production, but I, a lover of the film, was taken aback by the monologue-y presentation of Hedwig’s tale.  In the film, all the characters Hedwig speaks of are embodied by other actors.  In the original show, and this Broadway version, they are played out by Hedwig.  I fear that any Hedwig virgins who see the new one may get a little lost within the storytelling of her story, and drowned out by the music.  The music still kicks major ass, and the new incranation of Hedwig’s band – the Angry Inch – sound amazing, but the storytelling feels a little cluttered when told thru the songs, especially for someone who doesn’t know this Hedwig from Harry Potter’s owl
STILL, for diehards or even the uninitiated, there’s no denying the power (and sweat – he sweats A LOT) that NPH exudes on stage, giving Hedwig his all, and her all. It’ll make the NPH nobelievers say Doogie who? Â The show tears him down, but builds up its audience’s energy and love. Â Crank up that midnight radio, for rock and roll will never die
Bonus love goes out to Lena Hall, who plays Hedwig’s drag queen lover Yitzhak, and who makes women with mustaches the new hotness!!!
NPH 9ever!!!
