This production will amp up the school year

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” is a beautiful, yet heartbreaking story.

Dena Schedivy
Staff Writer

With the new school year beginning, select theatre students prep for the first round of auditions on the first day. Hoping to be cast in the first round of shows, students show off their stuff. 

Typically, the first round consists of the first studio and the next two mainstage shows. Breaking the mold with the first studio show “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”, the show was cast before the end  of this past spring semester.

The two-person cast featuring bands members, will star Cam Pederson as the title character, Hedwig and Zoe Hartigan, as Yitzhak. 

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” follows Hedwig, a German who aspires to be a rock star later in her life – but there’s much more to her story than that. 

Cam Pederson chimed in on how he became so fascinated with the role of Hedwig.

“I remember first seeing a performance of ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ during the 2014 Tony awards on television. Neil Patrick Harris was so delightfully disgusting… and inspiring.” Pederson said.

Since that performance, Pederson has carried his love for the show throughout his college career by performing songs from the show at auditions, in class settings, and in student events.

Besides performing as Hedwig in academia, the role of Hedwig inspired Pederson to begin performing in drag in the Mankato and Minneapolis area!

Besides performing as the title role, Pederson also serves as the costume, makeup and wig designer. 

“In the reality of the show, Hedwig would have made everything she wears, so why not actually do so?” Pederson said.

“At first glance, the look of the show screams ‘hot mess’ underscored by glitter, sweat and tears. Upon further inspection, you’ll see that it’s a surreal tragic shell that is only decorated to suppress the true emotion inside.”

Seth Honerman, a 2nd year MFA directing candidate, will serve as the director for “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”. 

“This has always been a passion project of mine and I felt like the right people were available to make it happen,” Honerman said.

“It tells a beautiful story and is uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time. I love stories that focus on the human condition and this one is a near perfect example of it.”

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” is not like other shows that are typically done here at MSU but Honerman had more to say on that.

“The audiences that loved “Carrie: The Musical” and “Evil Dead: The Musical” are going to have a blast! Those that love theatre are going to find a lot to talk about. Those that don’t know what they’re getting into are going to be surprised, moved and left with plenty to chew on after the show ends.”

With “Hedwig” only having two actors plus the band, this allows for directors and actors to work even more closely together. Honerman had more to say about working with the two senior undergrads.

“These are two of the hardest working performers that I have had the pleasure to work with. The show is a monster for the actor portraying Hedwig and Cam came into the process more than prepared. Zoe has the daunting task of performing backing vocals and maintaining the track of the show. Both of them continue to grow on a nightly basis and to see their growth and development each day has been a real treat,” He said.

Pederson had some more insight to add on MSU’s production of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”.

“Hedwig is vulgar. She is abrupt, offensive, and temperamental, but she wears her heart on her studded sleeve. I’m excited for Mankato, Minnesota to witness a show unlike any they’ve seen before. I hope to see you there… because trust me, Hedwig will see you, and get closer than you may expect!”  

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” will open on Thursday, September 12 and close Saturday, September 15. All showings will be at 7:30 PM with a special midnight-matinee on Friday night!

Tickets are available to purchase online at http://www.mnsu.edu/theatre/, by phone at 507-389-6661 or in-person at the box office Monday-Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Regular tickets for “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” sell for $13. (Discounted tickets for seniors and MSU students available at the box office).

Feature photo courtesy of the MSU Theatre Department.