'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' comes to Whitefish
Alpine Theatre Project will close its 2012 summer season with its most daring and outrageous production to date when it presents the cult-hit rock musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.”
“Hedwig” is directed by Alpine Theatre actor Nick Spear and stars professional actors Noah Putterman and Susan O’Dea.
“This town won’t know what hit it,” said Luke Walrath, Alpine Theatre Project’s director of marketing. “It is a full-on glam rock, protopunk explosion. We wanted to present a show that was going to turn the town upside down, and this show does that in spades.”
Part rock concert, part life-story monologue, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” tells the story of Hedwig Schmidt, a transsexual punk rock girl from East Berlin on tour with her rock band as she tells her incredible life story and stalks the ex-boyfriend/bandmate who stole her songs.’
It was conceived, written and originally performed by John Cameron Mitchell with songs by Stephen Trask. Shortly after it opened off Broadway, it was labeled “the first rock musical that truly rocks” by Rolling Stone Magazine and won both the Drama Desk and Obie Awards for Best Musical.
It was later adapted into a movie version, directed by Mitchell, which launched the musical into worldwide cult status along the lines of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The film went on to win the Sundance Audience Award and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award.
“The music is steeped in the ’70s glam rock pre-punk sound. Think David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Velvet Underground,” said Alpine Theatre Project Artistic Director Betsi Morrison. “It’s funny, touching and unlike anything you’ve ever seen on our stage before.”
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” is recommended for mature audiences due to its adult content.
“We want you to get a baby sitter for the kids, have a few drinks and come rock out with us,” Morrison added.
The show will run Aug. 9 through 19 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. Show times are 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday. There will be special late night show at 10 p.m. Aug. 17.
Tickets are $20 - $39. Call 862-SHOW or visit atpwhitefish.org for tickets.