Tom Avery (Photo courtesy Chance Theater)
Reviewed by Madison Mellon
Chance Theater
Through February 25
RECOMMENDED
On its surface, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a simple show: a glittery, 90-minute rock concert consisting of two actors and a small band. However, underneath this glam exterior is a profoundly moving story about finding one’s identity, with elements of Greek philosophy and Gnostic teachings woven throughout. The production currently playing at Chance Theater under the direction of Matthew McCray, captures the exuberant campiness of the show without sacrificing emotional resonance.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch follows the journey of Hedwig Robinson (Tom Avery), formerly known as Hansel Schmidt. She escapes communist East Berlin by marrying an American GI and undergoing a botched sex change operation, leaving her with the titular ‘angry inch’. Now alone in America, she must pick up the pieces of her life and search for her missing half.
The show’s small cast handles the material deftly. As Hedwig, Avery navigates the demanding role with confidence. This part requires excellent comedic timing and improvisational skills, strong rock ‘n roll vocals, and genuine emotional rawness and vulnerability. Avery delivers on all fronts. Although they do not quite tap into the depths of Hedwig’s cynical world-weariness, their acting in the final scenes is truly poignant and affecting. The other primary character in the show is Yitzhak (Laura Herskov), Hedwig’s much put-upon partner. Herskov’s sullen Yitzhak serves as a perfect foil for Hedwig, and she delivers a heartfelt rendition of “The Long Grift”.
The band (composed of Lex Leigh, James Michael McHale, Mazie Voss, and Julia Smushkova) is also excellent. The instruments never overpower the vocals, even in the small venue. I also appreciated the creativity of some of the orchestrations, such as including a fiddle in the country-inspired number “Sugar Daddy”.
The production design is simple but well-executed. The entire theater has been transformed into the seedy “La Palma Club” by scenic designer Bradley Kaye. Beautifully designed projections and animation
(Nick Santiago) also add interest to the largely static set. A few moments, such as a major transformation at the end of the show, felt slightly flat and would have benefitted from more visual impact. Additionally, there were some gaffs with microphones, wigs, and costumes which were occasionally distracting.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch is ultimately a show about identity and finding wholeness within oneself. This is especially resonant now, in a sociopolitical climate where queer identities are being scrutinized and attacked. Chance Theater’s production never loses sight of these important themes, while also managing to be an uplifting whirlwind of a show.
Chance Theater, 5522 E La Palma Ave., Anaheim. Thurs, 7:30 pm, Fri, 8 pm, Sat, 3 & 8 pm, Sun, 3 pm; thru Feb. 25. www.chancetheater.com Running time: one hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.
