Hedwig And The Angry Inch @ Queens Theatre, Adelaide 25/2/2025
Since its debut in 1998, Hedwig and the Angry Inch has captivated audiences worldwide, and now, at last, it has arrived in Adelaide. This groundbreaking rock musical, written by John Cameron Mitchell with music and lyrics by Stephen Trask, tells a deeply personal story of love, loss, and self-discovery. The Adelaide Festival production is co-directed by Dino Dimitriadis and Shane Anthony, who describe the narrative as a journey of someone striving to find their place in the world—chasing the dream of being seen and achieving the stardom they believe they deserve. At its core, Hedwig is a moving exploration of identity and the search for completeness.
Seann Miley Moore stars as Hedwig, a genderqueer East German singer grappling with identity, love, and survival following a botched gender reassignment surgery and an uprooted life in the United States. I saw Seann last year play the Engineer in the musical “Miss Saigon”, where he stole the show, and in Hedwig, he is undeniably the heart of the production. His commanding stage presence, extraordinary vocal talent, and raw emotional depth make this performance truly compelling. The musical numbers are all outstanding, and Seann’s renditions are just as powerful—if not more so—than those found on the official cast recordings.
Adam Noviello delivers an equally impressive performance as Yitzhak, bringing nuance and intensity to this crucial supporting role. The on-stage band further enhances the production, seamlessly blending live rock energy with emotional storytelling. Together, Seann, Adam, and the band deliver an electrifying performance. The standout songs include Wig in a Box, Wicked Little Town and the show’s powerful finale, Midnight Radio.
Beyond the performances, every aspect of the production is meticulously crafted. The stage design, lighting, and costumes work in perfect harmony to elevate the experience, immersing the audience in Hedwig’s world. The round stage design and the use of light and shadow to portray Hedwig’s ex-partner Tommy is extremely effective.
I was so captivated by this production that I already have tickets to see it again. Hedwig and the Angry Inch runs in Adelaide until March 15 before touring Melbourne and Sydney, with dates and venues for those cities set to be announced in March.
Adelaide Festival Review By Richard De Pizzol
For tickets and show information for Hedwig and the Angry Inch head to the Adelaide Festival…