BWW Reviews: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH Doesn't Measure Up

There was a lot of buzz about the Dane Peterson's Theatre Series production of HEDWIG before it opened. I guess between the revival we all heard so much about with NPH on Broadway, which won the Tony for Best Revival last year, we were all excited to see HEDWIG back in Birmingham. Since it is one of my good friend's favorite shows, I too got caught up in the hype and did one of the first preview articles about this show. I was so excited I bought three tickets and took companions with me. We were off for a greatly anticipated night out!

We were let down.

First, let me say I love going to the theatre. I truly believe that a bad night at the theatre is still better than a good night almost anywhere else. I like to think my job is to promote theatre in Birmingham as much as possible. My job is also to be honest about what I think and feel. I like to think I am pretty forgiving and open when it comes to a night at the theatre. Give me something- a great song, a good laugh, a meaningful message, anything to cling on to, and I will be just fine.

As usual, Tawny Stephens is a solid performer. Whenever she adds her voice to the mix, the sound improves immensely. And I have to say the band is really good. Fair performances and solos by each member of the band are enjoyable. I even think the tech went well. When the door opens to the "concert" supposedly happening just outside, it is believable.

And I did actually laugh a few times. I also did enough research ahead of time, including interviews with cast members and the director, to know what I was supposed to take away from the show.

But I didn't.

When I asked one of my companions, who is a sound guru, if the sound was clear to him he said yes, he heard no distortions. Why then, oh why could I not understand one word sung by Hedwig? It was sad for me, because I felt that most of the meat of the show is in his songs. But I am not sure, because I could not understand them.

Dane Peterson as Hedwig is interesting at first. His slight figure and playful persona come across fine, in the beginning. I even was OK with his singing, taking into account the fact that he is a man in a feminine role and that he is using an accent. I think the accent is fine, as well, a German who has been in America for several years. At first he is campy and the whole thing is palatable.

However, as the night drug on, he lost me. His voice got increasingly off and irritating. By the end he was terribly off, both vocally and in portraying his character. As basically a one man show, Hedwig is about a very complex character. Although I got a small glimpse of emotion at one point early on, overall I was very disappointed.

Learning to be who you are meant to be is one of my favorite messages to share. I really didn't get it here as promised. The thing I did get from HEDWIG was not to let others keep a piece of you, because eventually there will be nothing left. A very good lesson.

Lastly, be realitic- don't be blinded when you get the opportunity to put yourself in your dream role. A tremendous lesson.

The show runs through June 13. For tickets and more information call 205-251-1228.

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