Neil Patrick Harris is Starring as ‘Hedwig’ on Broadway!

by Rachael Roth

Not only is the cult-classic Hedwig and the Angry Inch coming to Broadway, but NPH is going to star in the lead role—glitter, giant blonde wig and all. 

It’s a heavy plot for a Broadway musical: hailing from East Germany, Hedwig (formerly Hansel) falls in love with a German soldier, Luther, and decides to marry him to escape the communist country. To validate the marriage, which at the time had to be between a man and a woman, Hedwig’s mother convinces her to get a sex change that goes wrong, leaving her with an “angry inch.” (“Where my penis used to be/Where my vagina never was…”) 

Image via FlavorWire

Harris, who has starred in numerous Broadway productions like Assassins, Rent, and Cabaret is taking on a challenging role, made famous by John Cameron Mitchell who also directed the original film and has played Hedwig on stage. 

“I’m simultaneously ecstatic and terrified to be stepping into Hedwig’s high heels,” he said. 

Throughout the film, things get worse for Hedwig—in her love life and career-wise. Despite the heartbreak, though, the music will stick with you long after you see the movie. It’s refreshing that a story about a transgender rock star is being popularized via NPH and Broadway. What do you think of the casting? 

 

Poster image via Us Weekly

Thanks to Flavor Wire and People

 

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