The mega-hit Hedwig and the Angry Inch welcomes a new headliner this month, and we can't wait. Tony nominee Andrew Rannells (best known as Elder Price in the original Broadway company of The Book of Mormon and as Hannah’s sassy gay ex Elijah on HBO’s Girls) takes on the titular role beginning on August 20 and continues through October 12. And we might need some smelling salts when it comes time to see him sing “The Origin of Love” with all those gorgeous projections happening around him. Click here, close your eyes and imagine:
And then a YouTube spiral began, and we realized just how beautiful and painful this song is and how it changes with each person’s interpretation. And because you have nothing better to do than lose yourself in some Hedwig, please join us as we revisit some favorites.
John Cameron Mitchell, Hedwig creator and original off-Broadway star
In an ideal world, John would take his wig off the shelf and step into Hedwig’s heels again for his own six-week reign.
Jinkx Monsoon, RuPaul’s Drag Race winner
This video really starts at 3:08 mark, and boy is it worth the wait (or just skip ahead!). Jinkx has performed Hedwig a few times in her native Seattle, and that connection is clear in the video. I can’t even with what happens at the 5:25 mark.
Rufus Wainwright, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter
It’s a treat to hear Wainwright’s unique voice tackle this song. He really brings out the pain…but then again he does that for every song, huh?
Matt Doyle, Broadway star
How many Hedwigs before Matt Doyle gets his shot?! It makes perfect sense down the road: the revival is directed by Michael Mayer, the director who discovered him in Spring Awakening, Doyle and Rannells share that Mormon connection and he just nails the score. Just sayin’.
Get your tickets to see Andrew Rannells as Hedwig while you still can, and make a date to revisit the Tony-winning revival this fall at the Belasco Theatre.
