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John Cameron Mitchell Will Be Broadway's Next Hedwig
John Cameron Mitchell Will Be Broadway's Next Hedwig
The Tony-winning musical's creator and original star now has 'much larger pumps to fill' in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Hed-heads, rejoice!
John Cameron Mitchell, who created and starred in the original off-Broadway production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, will return to the role of Hedwig on Broadway.
Back on the New York stage for the first time since 1998, the out actor will begin performances January 21 for an eight-week limited engagement.
Dexter's Michael C. Hall currently stars in the Tony Award-winning musical as Hedwig, a fictional East German rock singer living as a female after botched gender-reassignment surgery. Hall recently extended his run through January 18.
Hall took over the role of Hedwig from out Girls star Andrew Rannells, who played the final performance of his limited engagement October 12. Rannells stepped in for Neil Patrick Harris, who won the Tony for Best Actor in a Musical as Hedwig. Lena Hall also earned the Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Musical as Yitzhak, Hedwig's husband and backup singer, who's desperate to unleash his inner drag diva.
"I am in equal parts thrilled and terrified to be returning to Hedwig," says Mitchell in a statement. "15 years ago she kicked my butt so hard that I quit acting. But like an expertly face-lifted ex-wife, she's lured me back. The killer new work by Neil Patrick Harris, Andrew Rannells, and Michael C. Hall have left much larger pumps to fill. Here's hoping I don't need a walker by the end of the run."
"I'm beyond thrilled to work with my dear friend John Cameron Mitchell in recreating his iconic role in our new production," adds out director Michael Mayer. "I think his Hedwig has had a date with Broadway for a long time and I can't wait to be there for it."
Mitchell also starred in the 2001 film version of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which he also directed. His Broadway credits include The Secret Garden and Six Degrees of Separation.
The Broadway premiere of Mitchell and Stephen Trask's 1998 cult rock musical, which won the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical, opened April 22 at the Belasco Theatre and has recouped its investment. The original cast recording is now available.
