Holy Hedwig

As most of you know, I'm a huge fan of the performing arts. Whether it's a play, the symphony or midget wrestling, I'm always up for supporting the creative outlets of others. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Peppa Roni and I took a little road trip to the quaint little city of Lexington this weekend to catch a live production of Hedwig and The Angry Inch. If you've never seen this riotous rock opera or its film adaptation, you don't know what you're missing. According to Gigi Monroe, it's actually what inspired her to take up drag in the first place!

I was a little concerned about watching a live production of the show since I simply adore the film version starring John Cameron Mitchell. However, I need not have worried. David Colbert did a fine job filling Hedwig's substantial Farrah-flip wig. Truth be told, he has a much stronger singing voice than Mitchell. Colbert also brings a very physical side the Hedwig's stage persona with his almost freakishly fit booty.

What really puts Hedwig over the top for me are the songs by Stephen Trask, a current resident of Lexington. "Sugar Daddy" is a sweet country-tinged song about the power of using sexuality to control one's paramours. Not that I would know anything about that! "Wig In A Box" is a sassy sing-along that perfectly captures the ability of a brand new wig to completely lift one's spirits. The rousing final number, "Midnight Radio" is an epic power ballad shout-out to the talented and independent divas such as Tina, Yoko and Aretha, whose voices have traveled over the airwaves bringing us the strength and the courage to be ourselves.

On a side-note, there is an excellent benefit album, Wig In A Box, containing songs from and inspired by Hedwig. The performers on this tribute album are an eclectic mix of some of today's most interesting artists. That kooky Canadian queerboy, Rufus Wainwright does a gorgeous job on "The Origin of Love". Yoko Ono's erratic "Exquisite Corpse" has to be heard to be believed. Girl tears it up! The standout on the album, though, has to be Cindy Lauper's monumental belting of "Midnight Radio". That diminutive 80's diva has a set of pipes on her!

Besides being an absolutely excellent recording, all the proceeds go to New York's Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of the Harvey Milk School for gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered youth. Order your copy today!

Smooches,
Daph