Genre-bending ‘Inch’ at Gate69

Paul du Toit as Hedwig. Picture: JULIA JANSE VAN VUUREN

Paul du Toit as Hedwig. Picture: JULIA JANSE VAN VUUREN

Published Aug 15, 2016

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GATE69, Cape Town’s hottest new theatre and cabaret venue is to open its doors with the Tony Award winning show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Innovative, heartbreaking, and wickedly funny, the production is the perfect production to introduce the venue.

A landmark musical by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask that has been dubbed groundbreaking and ahead of its time, this genre-bending, fourth-wall-smashing musical sensation, with its pulsing score and electrifying performances, tells the story of one of the most unique characters to ever hit the stage. The music, written by Trask, is steeped in the androgynous 1970’s glam rock style of David Bowie (who co-produced the Los Angeles production of the show), as well as the work of John Lennon and Iggy Pop.

Originally directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer ( Spring Awakening) and winner of four 2014 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, Hedwig and the Angry Inch played to record-breaking sell-out crowds on Broadway and promises to do the same in the Mother City.

The local production will star Paul du Toit ( The Rocky Horror Show, Same Time Next Year, Binnelanders, Backstage) and Genna Galloway ( Grease, Showboat, Noah of Cape Town) and will be directed by Elizma Badenhorst ( I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Hot Mikado, Carrie-The Musical). Design is by Niall Griffin and musical direction is by Wessel Odendaal.

After their sell out success of I love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at the Theatre on the Bay, VRG Theatrical and Gate69 will present the controversial show.

The story revolves around a musical about a fictional rock band fronted by an East German transgender singer who survives a botched sex change operation performed to allow her to marry an American man and escape East Germany, only to get dumped a few months later. Hedwig subsequently develops a relationship with a younger man, Tommy, becoming his mentor and collaborator. Tommy steals her music and moves on without her. The musical follows Hedwig and her roadie as they shadow Tommy’s tour, while exploring Hedwig’s past and complex gender identity.

GATE69 in Bree Street is an 80-seater theatre. The hostess is Cathy Specific. This ‘trolley dolly’ is the alter ego of Brendan van Rhyn. The Angry Inch runs from September 15 to November 27. - Staff Writer

l Book: 071 589 2915, or www.gate69.co.za. No under 16s

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