Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Taye Diggs is the newest Hedwig. When I first heard that he was casted as Hedwig, I was curious but not convinced about his possible turn at Hedwig. After seeing his performance I am embarrassed that I was so ignorant of the depths of his artistry, as he is clearly an extraordinarily gifted actor and a remarkable vocalist.
Hedwig requires an actor who is willing to push the boundaries of his sexuality and gender with transformative costumes, hair and makeup. The role also demands a strong singer with an ability to interpret rock, punk, and pop ballads with a live band. The role demands a major German accent, as well as minor accents, American/British etc. And finally the role demands physical dexterity, and strength, as well as physical comedy.
In my opinion, the defining part of this role, and how the actor will be judged on the effectiveness of his interpretation is the connection to the third major character, the audience. Hedwig is a scripted play, but it is performed as a live concert. So in a sense the actor goes on stage to perform something like a stand up routine, in character. This duality of acting/singing in character and breaking the fourth wall (or the fifth wall as Hedwig referred to during the show) in character is a huge task that requires not just wit, timing, and sass, but the ability to stay completed grounded in acting technique while being open to the spontaneity of the audience reactions.
Taye Diggs is doing this brilliantly. He is a genius, and I hope that he performs more on Broadway.
Top Five Moments from Taye Diggs' Hedwig
5. The Idina Menzel Frozen references. Musical Theater Heaven.
4. His Tina Turner Dance. STOP.
3. His ' Whitney Rag'. Now you know....
2. His introduction of Skszp. You just have to hear it.
1. The Microphone breaking several times during the performance. No joke. After the last few times he started singing Tomorrow from Annie. With no microphone. Now you know...
Hedwig requires an actor who is willing to push the boundaries of his sexuality and gender with transformative costumes, hair and makeup. The role also demands a strong singer with an ability to interpret rock, punk, and pop ballads with a live band. The role demands a major German accent, as well as minor accents, American/British etc. And finally the role demands physical dexterity, and strength, as well as physical comedy.
In my opinion, the defining part of this role, and how the actor will be judged on the effectiveness of his interpretation is the connection to the third major character, the audience. Hedwig is a scripted play, but it is performed as a live concert. So in a sense the actor goes on stage to perform something like a stand up routine, in character. This duality of acting/singing in character and breaking the fourth wall (or the fifth wall as Hedwig referred to during the show) in character is a huge task that requires not just wit, timing, and sass, but the ability to stay completed grounded in acting technique while being open to the spontaneity of the audience reactions.
Taye Diggs is doing this brilliantly. He is a genius, and I hope that he performs more on Broadway.
Top Five Moments from Taye Diggs' Hedwig
5. The Idina Menzel Frozen references. Musical Theater Heaven.
4. His Tina Turner Dance. STOP.
3. His ' Whitney Rag'. Now you know....
2. His introduction of Skszp. You just have to hear it.
1. The Microphone breaking several times during the performance. No joke. After the last few times he started singing Tomorrow from Annie. With no microphone. Now you know...
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