Review: Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Posted by Curtain Up! on Nov 11, 2025

Whoever said lightning doesn’t strike twice clearly missed the electric jolt of BALLYHOO TABLE & STAGE’s remounted Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Under the bold vision of director/choreographer Kelly Van Oosbree and the fierce stewardship of executive producer/assistant director Julia Tobey, this revival doesn’t just revisit Hedwig’s journey—it supercharges it. The result is a glam-punk thunderclap that pulses with raw emotion, razor-sharp wit, and a voice that refuses to be silenced.

This remount hits with the same ferocity that earned the 2024 production its title as “a perfect storm”—a phrase I used then and stand by now. Instead of simply restaging the original, Give5 Production’s team has fine-tuned the energy: sharpening the emotional arcs, deepening the grit beneath the glam, and letting the storm surge again. It’s a rare feat—reviving a show that already felt definitive—and yet this Hedwig doesn’t just echo; it reverberates.

Written by John Cameron Mitchell, with music and lyrics by Stephen Trask, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a glam-punk rock musical about Hedwig, a genderqueer East German singer whose botched sex reassignment surgery leaves them with the so-called “angry inch.” Through an intense, electrifying concert, Hedwig shares their story—from fleeing communist Berlin to being betrayed by a former lover who stole their songs and fame. Beneath the glam and grime, there’s a deeper search for identity, self-acceptance, and love, as Hedwig faces the pain of abandonment and discovers the strength to embrace themself.

At the center of the storm is Clark Destin Jones, whose award-winning portrayal of Hedwig remains utterly electrifying. Jones doesn’t just inhabit Hedwig—he explodes their presence. Every glance, every growled lyric, every aching pause feels charged with energy and vulnerability. His performance is a masterclass in emotional rollercoaster: one moment snarling with punk defiance, the next crumbling into raw heartbreak that hushes the room. If the original run was a lightning strike, this reprise is the aftershock—and Jones is the live wire that keeps it humming.

The character of Yitzhak is a quietly tormented backup singer whose suppressed dreams and simmering resentment create a touching contrast to Hedwig’s flamboyant self-expression. As Yitzhak, Emma Rebecca Maxfield delivers a slow-burning intensity that lies beneath the show’s flashy exterior and fury. Fresh off her powerful performance as Lizzie in the punk rock musical of the same name, Maxfield channels that same vocal ferocity into a performance filled with tension and trembling—until it finally erupts. Her Yitzhak is a portrait of restraint and longing, with every glance toward Hedwig filled with history, hunger, and heartbreak. In a show rooted in transformation, Maxfield’s arc hits like a lightning strike—sudden, illuminating, and impossible to ignore.

Kelly Van Oosbree’s direction brings Hedwig and the Angry Inch to life with a fearless blend of precision and emotional grit, guiding the show’s chaotic heart with clarity and compassion. Her staging balances raw intimacy with rock spectacle, allowing each beat to land with purpose. Julia Tobey’s assistant direction complements this vision with sharp attention to emotional nuance and ensemble cohesion, helping shape a production that’s as tender as it is explosive.

The onstage band in Hedwig and the Angry Inch doesn’t just accompany—they electrify the space with a pulse as vital as Hedwig’s own voice. Under Fischer’s (keys) skillful musical direction, the show’s emotional arc is sharpened with precision and grit, blending glam rock bravado with aching vulnerability. Sean Case (drums), David James (bass guitar), and Jason Tyler Vaughn (guitar) each contribute a unique sonic texture, forming a wall of sound that feels both intimate and explosive. Their presence isn’t just background—it’s the backbone, giving Hedwig’s journey its heartbeat.

The production team behind Hedwig and the Angry Inch delivers a visual and auditory feast that aligns perfectly with the show’s emotional intensity. Brett Maughn’s lighting design bathes the stage in moody shades and concert-like brilliance. Dan McDonough’s sound design guarantees every riff, whisper, and primal scream is heard with visceral clarity, while Jessie Page’s costumes strike a bold balance between glam and grit, giving Hedwig a wardrobe that reflects their emotional evolution. Gila Moonstar’s wig work is truly iconic—Hedwig’s fabulous sausage curls serve as a crown of chaos and charisma, anchoring their transformation with every head toss and spotlight hit.

Hedwig remains highly relevant in today’s culture because they embody the raw, unfiltered search for identity in a world eager to classify and label. Their story of transformation—unfolding with jagged grace and unapologetic strength—reflects the ongoing struggles of queer and trans communities. Their refusal to be defined solely by trauma demonstrates a broader desire for wholeness. In an age of performative allyship and curated authenticity, Hedwig’s spotlighted rage and vulnerability cut through the noise, reminding us that real transformation is messy, musical, and deeply personal.

Running through November 23 at the newly opened BALLYHOO TABLE & STAGE, Hedwig and the Angry Inch offer a bold, glittery debut for this lively venue. With its cozy layout and cabaret style, BALLYHOO proves to be the perfect setting for Hedwig’s raw storytelling and rock performance—giving audiences not just a show but an immersive experience that stays with them long after the final chord.

A bonus:

Before Hedwig even hits the stage, the evening begins with a dazzling one-hour pre-show hosted by Denver’s own diva extraordinaire, Jessica L’Whor. With her signature wit and glamour, she hosts a lively costume competition and coordinates a series of raffles that keep the energy high and the audience engaged. Joining her are a vibrant mix of regional drag, burlesque, and circus performers whose artistry and flair turn the venue into a carnival of queerness and celebration. It’s not just a warm-up—it’s a full-throttle spectacle that prepares the crowd for a night of catharsis, camp, and rock-and-roll revelation.

For info and tickets: https://www.ballyhoodenver.com/shows-events

Join Our Mailing List