John Cameron Mitchell, who created and starred in the original off-Broadway production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, has returned to the role of Hedwig on Broadway.
Back on the New York stage for the first time since 1998, the out actor began performances last night for an eight-week limited engagement.
Mitchell succeeds Michael C. Hall in the Tony Award-winning musical as Hedwig, a fictional East German rock singer living as a female after botched gender-reassignment surgery. Hall took over the role from Andrew Rannells, who had replaced Tony winner Neil Patrick Harris.
"I am in equal parts thrilled and terrified to be returning to Hedwig," said Mitchell in a previous 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," added 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.
"I think my Hedwig will have more ragged edges, more punk than in past performances," Mitchell recently told the New York Times.
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 production has raised $400K for LGBT youth as part of its charitable partnership with the Hetrick-Martin Institute.
The original cast recording is now available.
Lena Hall and John Cameron Mitchell in Hedwig and the Angry Inch
John Cameron Mitchell in Hedwig and the Angry Inch
John Cameron Mitchell in Hedwig and the Angry Inch
John Cameron Mitchell in Hedwig and the Angry Inch ad
