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 The cult musical Hedwig and The Angry Inch glides glamourously into town this month as part of the Brisbane Cabaret Festival, writes Kristian Fletcher.
Already a musical theatre veteran, local boy Michael Falzon will step into heels and wigs to play the cult role of a German transsexual singer, for the Brisbane production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
“It’s a tremendous role. One of those gifts for any actor,” Falzon told Queensland Pride.
Following a botched sex-change operation, the “internationally ignored song-stylist” Hedwig Schmidt embarks on a heartfelt quest to find her ‘other half’. The concept of the show sees Hedwig performing her story to a Brisbane audience, all supported by an infectious and original rock score.
“Hedwig is actually there playing the Cremorne. It’s a live concert but also has a lot of depth to it.”
Falzon calls it a journey of self-discovery for Hedwig as a person, all laid out on stage.
“The wonderful character of Hedwig and who she is underneath all comes out.”
Just like the character of Hedwig, the musical itself has made an interesting journey; from a drag act at New York’s Squeezebox punk club, to off-Off-Broadway production, to an award-winning cult film.
The brainchild of John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask, the musical was initially workshopped at Squeezebox to preserve the rock energy of the score, with Mitchell in the lead.
The polished production opened in a theatrical setting at the Jane Street Theatre in 1998. It was an instant hit and ran for three years.
Hedwig and The Angry Inch’s popularity was confirmed with the success of the subsequent film version, released in 2001. Screenings of the film and productions of the show have attracted a cult following likened to that of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, with some fans seeing the film up to 500 times.
The first Australian production opened in 2006 and has played Sydney and Melbourne to critical acclaim.
Falzon returns to Brisbane for this show after a six-month stint in London with his production company.
He is, after all, no stranger to musical theatre, having toured Australia and Japan in the lead role of Galileo in We Will Rock You (he was cast by Queen themselves!) and, more recently, War of the Worlds.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play a lot of great rock roles and Hedwig is right up there.”
In a role made for his experience and talent, Falzon can’t wait to ‘tackle’ the Punk Rock Goddess for the first time.
“It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to with relish.”
One can rarely speak of Hedwig and The Angry Inch without mentioning the standout musical numbers. The score successfully combines such styles as punk, rock, doo-wop and glam music into a seemless tale of lost-love and the darker side of show business.
“The theatricality mixed with the rock is fantastic. The whole story comes out through these incredible rock anthems and ballads. The vocals are very raw and very real.”
Falzon understands the depth to the material and is passionate about the messages the show delivers to its audience.
Hedwig has yet to find her soul mate - her other half - a search which continues as the musical unfolds.
“It’s a timeless notion. For anybody in a relationship, whether it’s starting out or long-term, you’re finding compromises, you’re finding dynamics, you’re really trying to work out why you are here.
“Hedwig is stripped down so emotionally and physically. He has different guises on stage, hiding behind a mask and eventually coming down to the real person underneath all of that,” he says.
Falzon is excited to have a production of this quality to sink his teeth into.
“Nothing can beat experiencing the show live. It doesn’t stop, it doesn’t let up. I will try and throw myself into the role and bring everything forward that I can.”
So with a musical theatre hero back in his hometown, expect a few local references for good measure as Falzon dons the heels and blonde curl wig.
On possibly becoming a gay icon as Hedwig, Falzon says, “Well, that’s all part of the fun of it!”
Hedwig and The Angry Inch plays Cremorne Theatre, QPAC from October 10 to November 2. Bookings: 136 246 or www.qtix.com.au
Queensland Pride has five double passes to opening night, Friday October 10, to give away. Visit the competitions section at www.queenslandpride.com.au for details on how to enter.
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