Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Text by John Cameron Mitchell
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Trask
Directed by Matthew McCray
Music Directed by Lex Leigh

Awards and Recognition

  • 3.5 Stars (out of 4) OC Register
  • RECOMMENDED Stage Raw
  • WOW! StageSceneLA
  • 4.5 Stars (out of 5) The Show Report

On the Cripe Stage… 

This groundbreaking Obie-winning Off-Broadway smash that took Broadway by storm tells the story of “internationally ignored song stylist” Hedwig Schmidt, a fourth-wall smashing East German rock ‘n’ roll goddess who also happens to be the victim of a botched sex-change operation, which has left her with just “an angry inch.” This outrageous and unexpectedly hilarious story is dazzlingly performed by Hedwig (née Hansel) in the form of a rock gig/stand-up comedy routine backed by the hard-rocking band “The Angry Inch.” Using songs and monologues, Hedwig tells her story and her life’s search for “The Origin of Love.” It’s a rocking ride, funny, touching, and ultimately inspiring to anyone who has felt life gave them an inch when they deserved a mile.

NOTE: This show contains mature subject matter, strong language, and other potentially triggering content. 

“Veteran regional director Matthew McCray is back at Chance — he was the landlord overseeing last summer’s Rent — and he delivers all the thematic chaos with an assured hand.”  OC Register

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is ultimately a show about identity and finding wholeness within oneself. This is especially resonant now, in a sociopolitical climate where queer identities are being scrutinized and attacked. Chance Theater’s production never loses sight of these important themes, while also managing to be an uplifting whirlwind of a show.”Stage Raw

“The closer proximity of the audience to the beautiful, utterly mesmerizing Avery and their fellow musician-actors means we get even closer to the heart of the show’s emotionally raw performances… Meanwhile, the band—led by the sardonic facial tics of musical director Leigh—are absolutely rocking out hard, providing their divalicious frontwoman with the matching musical energy to accompany her volatile vocals”Broadway World

“There’s probably no theater in or around Orange County with a better track record where rock musicals are concerned than the Chance, proof positive of which can be savored with the latest Chance Theater rock masterpiece: Hedwig And The Angry Inch.” StageSceneLA

“The Chance Theater’s production of Hedwig And The Angry Inch is a testament to the timeless appeal of its story and music. It reflects the spirit of its era while remaining profoundly relevant today, offering a spectacle that is as moving as it is entertaining. For both long-time fans and newcomers, this production is highly recommended, promising an entertaining and thought-provoking evening of theatre.”Stage & Cinema

“Brilliantly innovative, heartbreaking, and wickedly funny, Hedwig And The Angry Inch is shamelessly enjoyable. Integrated with a pulsing score and an electrifying performance, it unravels the story of one of the most unique characters to ever hit the stage. As Mitchell and Trask’s spellbinding rock musical memoir, there is no other show quite like it, and I doubt there ever will be, given that it came about in the late 90’s and retained that twisted grunge-style indicative of the decade. So, for one of the hottest tickets in Orange County, contact Chance Theater while you can”The Show Report

“The show features a lot of great, genuinely rocking songs. I’ve listened to the original Broadway cast recording of Hedwig before seeing it at Chance Theatre. A lot of songs make for good standalone listening. There are also songs like “Wig In A Box” and “Exquisite Corpse” that are even better when you see them performed within the show.”The Orange Curtain Review

“Given the unusual set-up and the way the story proceeds in Mitchell’s book, this is a potentially challenging musical to direct. After all, we as a society have a far greater awareness about transgender individuals and their challenges than when the show first premiered. Gladly, Mr. McCray’s Direction acknowledges these strengths and sensitivities and doesn’t just make even the most unfamiliar elements coalesce; he makes (to borrow from a handy refrain) “the strangest things seem suddenly routine”. By the same token, he’s also not afraid to make the goings-on, ‘fun’ without ‘making fun’ of anyone.”Buck-ing Trends

Executive Producers
Susan Bowman & Freddie Greenfield

Associate Producers Rachelle Menaker & Eddie Schuller

Executive Season Producers
Bette & Wylie Aitken

Associate Season Producer The Family of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar

Community Partner

Show artwork designed by KC Wilkerson, kcwdigital.com.


 

Hedwig and the Angry Inch tells the story of a fourth-wall-smashing East German rock ‘n’ roll goddess in the form of a rock gig/stand-up comedy routine backed by a hard-rocking band.
Content advisories include:
  • References to sexual assault, gender dysphoria, and transphobia
  • Depictions of substance use and abuse, child abuse, and intimate partner abuse

 

LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY NIGHT

Friday, February 9, 7-11:00 p.m.
Community Partner: LGBTQ Center OC
  • 7:00 p.m. - Mingling in the Chance lobby over light bites and Happy Hour drinks. Be sure to meet our Community Partners!
  • 8:00 p.m. - Hedwig and The Angry Inch begins! We can't wait for you to see this performance!
  • 9:45 p.m. - Participate in a post-show conversation with the Cast and our Community Partners.
  • 10:15 p.m. - Don't leave just yet! We have a second round of bites and drinks.
  • 10:45 p.m. - Last call! The event comes to an end.
Are you part of a Community Organization? Contact us at info@chancetheater.com for information on special discounts and fundraising opportunities.

Articles & Reviews

Read More on the Blog

Audience Buzz

    1. I was blown away by the whole production, well done

      — Anonymous
    2. It wasn’t what I expected in all the best ways. Cool venue, great show and performance. I loved it and I will be coming back!

      — Garrett
    3. The show was very interesting and the production, as always, was terrific. The music was outstanding and the choreography was great. So much energy!

      — Anonymous
    4. I love this musical so much and have seen so many productions, but I found this one to be more entertaining with all of the cast not just the main character. Loved the venue, Loved the show!

      — Virginia Lea Anderson
    5. This was a show I didn’t know I needed. Life changing! I didn’t expect to be emotionally invested the 2nd time, but once again the cast blew my mind with their energy and commitment to the story.

      — Anonymous
    6. Enjoyed speaking with cast after the show.

      — Anonymous
    7. I am a theater person. I love live performances. I’ve seen Hedwig on Broadway several times. I’ve seen the movie a handful of times. This production was wonderful, and everyone in the cast was equally talented. And of course Tom Avery, who I had never seen perform, is a superstar in my opinion!

      — Joe
    8. Everybody was very kind, the performance was beautiful and had a lot of heart. Cast and crew involved were phenomenally talented.

      — Anonymous
    9. I loved every part of this show and the theater! Incredible work from everyone involved <3

      — Ash
    10. Chance theater has an amazing track record of putting on out of the ordinary, creative shows, and this show was AMAZING! We were blown away!!! Intimate theater gives the audience, us, the feeling that we’re part of the show, which is exciting, and emotionally grabs you. Wonderful!

      — Anonymous
    11. An enjoyable performance of a great musical. People tend to think they have to trudge to LA to see great theatre, so it’s nice to let them know there’s a ton of cool stuff that’s much more accessible, both in terms of cost and distance.

      — Lori Fidler
    12. Powerful content, talent in storytelling and musicianship

      — Anonymous
    13. We enjoyed the evening. We definitely need more queer affirming stories. Thanks so much for this. It’s one of those moments I didn’t know i needed!

      — Umie Ro
    14. Talent. Script. The lead. We enjoyed the evening.

      — Anonymous
    15. Talent. Script. The lead. We enjoyed the evening.

      — Anonymous
    16. Loved the venue LOVED the cast and show! The venue is so cute and professionally run. The performance was really great. Especially loved the actor who played Hedwig. Perfect casting!

      — Acacia Carras
    17. Great shows! Great acting!

      — Anonymous
    18. Brilliant performances, production, and visuals Performances were beyond belief and absolutely incredible

      — Anonymous
    19. cast was woderful; small venue; close to home lead actor was outstanding. Fun performance

      — Anonymous
    20. Because it’s a wonderful production with terrific performances. It’s a show that I will come back and see multiple times. Tom Avery’s rendition of “Wicked Little Town” is the best I’ve heard.

      — Rhonda Nitschky
    21. Great performances and important topic for today

      — Janet Michels
    22. I think it was really well put together and the performers were great. Really loved the Q & A at the end as well! Great incite from each cast member really helped me look at Hedwig and the Angry Inch from different perspectives. I loved it! I’m very happy. And I’m looking forward to possibly visiting again.

      — Modesto Briseno
    23. Amazing! Absolutely love the venue

      — Jackie Paternostro
    24. You guys put a lot of work and passion into it

      — Anonymous
    25. The performances were great. Actirnolaying Hedwig did an exceptional job!

      — Helen O'Sullivan
    26. The cast was amazing! Hedwig was incredibly talented and so fun to watch. The set was great and the musicians were outstanding. Not only were the actors great but the staff was so nice! The woman who checked us in was so sweet. We will definitely be going back to this theater!

      — Anonymous
    27. Insightful, emotional and moving, thought provoking

      — Debby Hebert
    28. Love the show and performers

      — Bonnie Gausewitz
    29. Great performance, cool costumes, cool story

      — Edward Edeson
    30. Stories that highlight the LGBTQ+ community are important to share.

      — Anonymous
    31. The vibe and cast were great. The ushers and bix office were kind and helpful. Just an enjoyable experience.

      — Kim Ruvalcaba
    32. Entertainting. The lead was great.

      — Anonymous
    33. It’s my favorite theatre. I loved everything

      — Anonymous
    34. Affordable, high quality performance. Local theater, intimate setting. My friend and I truly enjoyed the performance. I was impressed by the talent of the actors and the overall production.

      — Larry Silva
    35. It was an explosion of fun, music and great performances

      — Anonymous
    36. Quality acting, thought provoking play, and loved talking with the cast afterwards

      — Flossie Friedman
    37. Awesome Performance by all especially the lead!

      — Anonymous
    38. I’ve told multiple people to get to the Chance, and I’ll keep telling people!

      — Cat
    39. Can always count on wonderful performances at Chance

      — Geannie Buzby
    40. I absolutely loved this musical!

      — Pamela J Lorenz
    41. Because it was awesome and the actor who played Hedwig nailed it.

      — Anonymous
    42. very talented performers. Hedwig and the drummer are extraordinarily talented

      — Anonymous
    43. That was probably the most profoundly queer experience of my life. All the actors were fantastic

      — Anonymous
    44. The production and performances were fantastic! The Director’s dinner was an absolute pleasure. I thought the performance was outstanding in every way!

      — Anonymous
    45. The talent is absolutely incredible! I appreciated that there were earplugs available. I love seeing and meeting people from out of the area – LA and San Diego!

      — Anonymous
    46. It’s a great cat, great production and was emotional. Lex Leigh is amazing! Swoons.

      — Kenneth Lin
    47. Made me proud to be in my own skin as someone who is physically challenged

      — Ian Mishkin
    48. powerful, thought provoking, intense, boundless energy. The main character was excellent, full of dynamic energy and emotion

      — Ronald Baesler
    49. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

      — Anonymous
    50. It was FANTASTIC! Loved the Q & A after

      — Cathy Gott
    51. Hedwig the main actor.was super talented. The rang of talent that was shown through out the whole performance. The many voices, the facial expressions and attitudes were all so different and just extremely entertaining. The music was just perfect. All the actors were great. They were perfect for their parts. I love the advising and full character irritation when the cords were getting stuck and the w7g falling off. It wasn’t apart of the show but they just made it so perfectly entertaining and it made it better with the actors rolling with the puches so to speak. I am amazed how wonderful it is to watch live performances. I never I new how exciting and extremely intense these shows would be. It keeps getting better everytime I attend a performance. I really loved Hedwing and the angry inch. Funny, heartfelt, over the top, raw, personal, draws you in and it entertains every emotion in me. Love love love love love love it I may be going to see it again! It was that great!

      — Michelle Thomas
    52. absolutely outstanding.

      — Anonymous
    53. Awesome Performance by all especially the lead!

      — Anonymous
    54. Great energy, important message!

      — Anonymous

Venue Bette Aitken theater arts Center

Bette Aitken theater arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA  92807
More Information Get Directions
Venue Amenities
  • Full-Service Bar
  • Free Parking
  • Conveniently Located

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