Sydney, buckle up! Last night, Carriageworks was set ablaze with the opening night of Hedwig and The Angry Inch, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of an absolute triumph. From the moment we hit the red carpet, the energy was electric, and the show itself delivered a raw, powerful, and utterly unforgettable experience.
My partner in-crime and I arrived in true “trailer trash glam” style – me, rocking a flannel shirt, a trusty Woolies bag as my clutch, and a strategically placed ciggie (unlit, of course, for the cameras!), while my partner strutted beside me in high-heeled boots, short cuffed jeans, and a perfectly tilted cowboy hat. The flashes were blinding, the buzz palpable, and it set the perfect tone for a night that was anything but ordinary.
Before we even stepped inside, we were whisked away for an interview in a quirky caravan trailer, soaking in the pre-show excitement. The air was thick with anticipation, and everyone was buzzing about the iconic rock musical finally gracing the Sydney stage. Little did we know, the true magic was yet to unfold.
The moment the lights dimmed and the first chords hit, we were transported. Hedwig and The Angry Inch isn’t just a musical; it’s a profound journey into identity, love, and self-acceptance, wrapped in a glitter-soaked, punk-rock explosion. Set primarily in the late 1980s and early 1990s, against the backdrop of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the story introduces us to Hedwig Robinson, formerly Hansel Schmidt, an “internationally ignored” rock and roll singer from East Berlin.
The narrative unfolds through Hedwig’s concert, where she recounts her life story: her difficult childhood, her escape to the West through a botched sex-change operation that leaves her with the titular “angry inch,” and her tumultuous relationships, particularly with her former lover and protégé, Tommy Gnosis. It’s a poignant exploration of a genderqueer East German rock and roll singer, resonating deeply with themes of longing, betrayal, and the universal search for one’s other half.
And the performances? Absolutely mind-blowing. Seann Miley Moore as Hedwig is a revelation. They didn’t just play Hedwig; they became Hedwig. Every note, every sneer, every vulnerable moment was delivered with a fierce authenticity that commanded the stage and tore at your heartstrings. Seann’s vocal prowess is undeniable, but it’s their ability to convey Hedwig’s complex emotional landscape that truly elevates the performance to legendary status.
Equally captivating was Adam Noviello as Yitzhak. Adam’s portrayal was a masterclass in nuanced performance, capturing Yitzhak’s quiet strength, simmering resentment, and eventual blossoming. Their vocal harmonies with Seann were pure magic, adding layers of depth and emotion to every song. The dynamic between Hedwig and Yitzhak is the beating heart of the show, and Seann and Adam brought it to life with breathtaking intensity.
The main highlights of the show were numerous. Beyond the phenomenal lead performances, the raw energy of “The Angry Inch” and the poignant introspection of “Wig in a Box” truly stood out. Hedwig’s powerful ballads, such as the heartbreaking “Wicked Little Town” and the anthemic “Midnight Radio,” were delivered with such emotional depth that they left the audience spellbound.
Yitzhak’s contributions, particularly their powerful backing vocals and the moments where their own voice shone through, added incredible texture and emotional weight to songs like “The Long Grift” (even when sung by Hedwig, it speaks to their shared history). The live band, “The Angry Inch,” was electrifying, providing the perfect punk-rock soundtrack to Hedwig’s tumultuous journey. The minimalist yet effective stage design, transforming from a dilapidated trailer into a vibrant concert space, perfectly mirrored Hedwig’s internal and external transformations.
Just when we thought the night couldn’t get any more incredible, a hush fell over the crowd. Then, the impossible happened: Stephen Trask, the genius creator of Hedwig and The Angry Inch, flew all the way from America for a surprise appearance! He stepped onto the stage and delivered a soul-stirring rendition of “Origin of Love,” followed by an opening encore that sent shivers down everyone’s spine. It was a truly iconic moment, a testament to the enduring power and global reach of this extraordinary show.
The afterparty was the perfect culmination of an unforgettable evening. Drinks flowed freely, and a smorgasbord of delicious food awaited, allowing everyone to decompress and revel in the shared experience. The air was buzzing with excited chatter, everyone still reeling from the sheer brilliance of what they had just witnessed.
If you are looking for a show that will challenge you, move you, and leave you utterly exhilarated, then Hedwig and The Angry Inch is it. This production is a must-see, a powerful and poignant rock concert that will stay with you long after the final bow. Do yourself a favour and book your tickets NOW. You won’t regret it.
As I said leaving the theatre, completely blown away, “This show isn’t just a performance; it’s an experience that grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go. A definite 10/10!”
Hedwig and The Angry Inch
Carriageworks
245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015, Australia
Book Online | E: boxoffice@carriageworks.com.au | T: +61 2 8571 9100
