8/10/14

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH at the Belasco Theatre

(Seen April 19, 2014)

One outlandish star, Neil Patrick Harris, creates a wonderful and memorable character in this revival of a long-ago, off-Broadway cultish musical.  The talents Harris displayed as the host of the Tony Awards shows, are expanded as he romps through this, demonstrating that he is a most impressive actor/singer/dancer!  

This is the story of a transgender whose botched operation leaves him/her physically incomplete   The "angry inch" refers to the remains of his penis, as well as the name of his Band.

First embodied by John Cameron Mitchell in the original play and follow-up film, Harris now makes the role his own.  Although basically a one-person vehicle, he is most ably supported by Lena Hall and the four musicians who comprise THE ANGRY INCH band.  

Director Michael Mayer has successfully guided this show to its impressive transition and fruition on the Broadway stage.

(As another example of what goes into the making of a Broadway production, some 20 producers are listed above the title of the show!)