Print Article
Last Friday night, I pulled together some cash and that little gang of mine and headed down to the Sinclair to catch a blonde who knows how to put on a show. I was thrilled to be seated at a table near the back, my handful of friends and my so bright–she-sparkles significant other (not a single Hedwig aficionado among them). The stage was decked out so it equaled two parts style and function and one part, Hedwig’s dressing room.
(photo by Jennifer Browning)
The band rocked out. Aaron Marshall and Brennan Hamill were on point playing guts and glory on guitar and keyboards, respectively. Drums proved a good fit in the ensemble, played masterfully by John Boote. Ryan Turk provided the ever-important bass line with just the right amount of funk.
Closing my eyes for a few seconds took away the visual and provided an intimate connection to the music. Josh Waller, performing the role of Hedwig, was vocally demanding. His musical interpretation fell right in line with what we love about the original show and the film. His movements were occasionally distracting and seemingly contrived. He did not seem to be physically in touch with Hedwig. This didn’t take much away from his performance, just ask my friend Ryan who apparently was so moved by the whole affair he literally had a toe tapping time of it. In my opinion, the quiet moments were when Josh Waller shined the brightest, convincing all of us that we were indeed in the company of a brilliantly scarred human attempting to put it all back together again.
The Talented Josh Waller in the Title Role of Hedwig (photo by Jennifer Browning)
Josh sang the songs my table knew and loved and we loved him for that. During Wicked Little Town I came to the conclusion that I could only say good things about this show, if for no other reason than this song was being delivered to me so beautifully. I turned to glance at the bartender, he was singing quietly along, for most of the show, actually. Ordering my drinks, he did not strike me as a theatre buff but he was clearly enjoying the music. Perhaps we can attribute this to the fact that Josh and the band did a spot on job with the music of Hedwig.
(photos by Jennifer Browning)
Fifteen dollars gets you admission and one free Wicked Little Cocktail, a fitting sake based beverage with a floating strawberry bopping to the tunes finished with a candy-coated rim. The cast hangs around for a bit after the show so if striking up a dialogue is your thing, then you will love the casual approachability of this artistic endeavor.
The music of Hedwig might be the best reason I can offer to entice you to attend. The sounds of the evening will absolutely be worth your trip to West Forsyth.
This is your last chance. Hedwig enters the final countdown this weekend, with one show remaining Saturday, October 10th, 9:30 PM. Bring cash and enjoy your complimentary adult beverage.
-April Hutchinson-
Share this article
RSS
stephendare
October 07, 2009, 11:33:54 PMSo what were his three best numbers, April?
Jennifer Browning was at the friday show as well, she loved wicked little town.
Hambone
October 08, 2009, 11:08:16 AMGreat review April! but I think Maya and Chris should be commended for putting together this show. So happy they had some balls and did it. YAY!!!
Thanks for an enjoyable read.
xoxoxoxo
aprilhutchinson
October 08, 2009, 11:20:18 AMThank you Hambone. Agreed.
Stephen, in relation to the best numbers question...three best songs of the night, easily:
Wicked Little Town (Jennifer is right, great song, done well)
The Origin of Love (audience was loving that one)
Wig in a Box (we get to sing along for a bit)
stephendare
October 08, 2009, 11:23:01 AMMaya and Chris?
Do tell!
stephendare
October 09, 2009, 02:46:33 PMJennifer you went and saw this last night, what was your take?
Jennifer Browning
October 09, 2009, 03:40:54 PMThe show was simply fantastic.
When I wasn't taking photos, I was singing along to the showtunes. The cast has a wonderful chemistry, the music is phenomenal, the costumes were done quite well and the set is intimate, yet beautifully done with intriguing details which transforms the Sinclair into a small theatre. The fact that they break the "4th wall" is amazing and helps get the audience involved.
Josh Waller does a fantastic job playing Hedwig, as well as Maya, Aaron, Brennan, John and Ryan. When the show was finished last night, I had an amazing rush of energy... the show was that energizing!
Since the musical is set during a rock show, it's easy to forget that you're in a musical. It's literally like watching an awesome band perform a set with an insider's peak into what goes on backstage!
Saturday is the last night of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" and I strongly suggest that everyone tries to make it to this show. It's worth the 15 dollars and the "Wicked Little Cocktail" is one of my favorites on the Sinclair's Cocktail menu!
Hambone
October 10, 2009, 10:06:38 AMStephen-
re: Maya and Chris?
Maya Adkins is one of the owners (also in the show) of the Sinclair and Chris Farrell directed the show (also works at the sinclair). They started a production company about 5 years ago called Far Too Ambitious Productions along with David Paul and Josh Waller. I had the pleasure of doing Psycho Beach Party with them and it was a great success and so much fun.
hope all is well!
Jennifer Browning
October 10, 2009, 01:29:12 PMre: Maya and Chris?
Maya Adkins is one of the owners (also in the show) of the Sinclair and Chris Farrell directed the show (also works at the sinclair). They started a production company about 5 years ago called Far Too Ambitious Productions along with David Paul and Josh Waller. I had the pleasure of doing Psycho Beach Party with them and it was a great success and so much fun.
hope all is well!
They are all so awesome! I enjoyed the production by "Far Too Ambitious Productions". They are all such amazing actors and musicians.
aprilhutchinson
October 11, 2009, 01:36:39 PMDuring my research for my initial write up, I had to rely on primarily The Sinclair's facebook page. There was a reference to their "newly formed" production company Just For You Productions. Had I known on any level that Hedwig was being presented by Far Too Ambitious, I would have mentioned that.
I have not heard of "Far Too Ambitious" but I did see Psycho Beach Party those years ago. I did not stay for the entire show. The noise in Fuel was somewhat distracting coming from the front part of the building that night. The costumes looked good and there were a couple of memorable moments (while I was there). The majority of what I saw that worked about that show was Lee Hamby. There were some issues with hearing the actors but within a space like that, it seems inevitable. Much of the cast seemed to adapt to the space and adjust their projection accordingly. Best of luck to Far Too Ambitious in all their future endeavors.
stephendare
October 11, 2009, 06:06:51 PMLee Hamby is awesome! Thanks April for the fill in.
aprilhutchinson
October 11, 2009, 10:06:22 PMHe was most definitely great in that show...and you gotta appreciate any performer who shows with clothes. If they care enough to make sure they look the part, always, this is a very good thing. Not to mention styling a few little stragglers on the way. Many actors might have projected a semi-hopeless look without L. Hamby in their corner. And you know that's the truth. He wasn't genius enough to rock a forest green unitard (or force someone else to)
All things local theater considered, he is your chance at stage related visual shelf freshness.
stephendare
October 11, 2009, 10:23:11 PMWhat do you know about Chris Farrel and Maya, April?
Ive worked with both of them, and I love Maya, but I just don't know much about their careers.
aprilhutchinson
October 12, 2009, 03:56:41 PMI know they are talented. They both performed fabulously in our Edge of Sketch Shows. I can't say we are friends or even remotely close enough to speculate about either of their professional histories.
I know they want to provide a new nighttime option for downtown and I wish them well. Hopefully the bar stays flush and the doors stay open.