Nanaimo's professional theatre with a community feel
HEDWIG...my eyes fill with muddy, Maybelline tears
Many months ago Frank Moher and I decided to undertake what has proven to be a memorable journey together. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Drew Staniland and I'm playing HEDWIG in WESTERN EDGE Theatre's upcoming production of HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH.A little over 10 years ago I studied theatre in NYC at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre and ,while I was there, I saw the original production of HEDWIG onstage with John Cameron Mitchell, the playwright and originator of the role,and Stephen Trask, the composer.
Being a poor student at the time I "ushered" for the show (you seat people and get to see the show for free). I had been told that HEDWIG was the new "hot ticket" in NYC at the time, but I had no idea what it was about. When I arrived to be briefed on my ushering duties I read the program for the show and thought "What the f**! have I gotten myself into here?!!".But watching the show, as raunchy/provocative as it was for me at the time, I found myself in awe of John Cameron Mitchell's talent, the incredibly smart, strangely familiar songs and the quirky, funny and surpisingly moving script. By the end of the show I was literally moved to tears as the it wrapped up whilst the anthemic "Midnight Radio" rang out through the old ballroom of the Hotel Riverview. It was, quite honestly, one of the best pieces of theatre I have ever seen.
Being a poor student at the time I "ushered" for the show (you seat people and get to see the show for free). I had been told that HEDWIG was the new "hot ticket" in NYC at the time, but I had no idea what it was about. When I arrived to be briefed on my ushering duties I read the program for the show and thought "What the f**! have I gotten myself into here?!!".But watching the show, as raunchy/provocative as it was for me at the time, I found myself in awe of John Cameron Mitchell's talent, the incredibly smart, strangely familiar songs and the quirky, funny and surpisingly moving script. By the end of the show I was literally moved to tears as the it wrapped up whilst the anthemic "Midnight Radio" rang out through the old ballroom of the Hotel Riverview. It was, quite honestly, one of the best pieces of theatre I have ever seen.
Comment
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Comment by Pam McCartney on January 25, 2009 at 1:57am -
The show was amazing! Awesome performance by Drew and all of the cast. Oddly...it has been quite a few years since I have seen a live performance of any production. And how blessed I am to have seen Hedwig! Superb!!!
Thanks for bringing me back to the joy of live theatre.
xox
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Comment by Sheila Bowman on January 24, 2009 at 10:52pm - Ohhhh Hedwig......you heartbreaker. Great show. Really tested the waterproof tar on the lashes. Take it on the road!
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Comment by Niomi Pearson on January 24, 2009 at 10:01pm - I went to Saturday's (Jan 24) show and this was my first exposure to Hedwig... it was great!!!!!!. Drew, you gotta try out for Rocky Horror when it comes to Port Alberni! You'd be awesome!
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Comment by Susan Yates on January 21, 2009 at 11:00am - Drew...you did Maybelline proud....the performance was stunning in every way and I haven't stopped promoting it to my Nanaimo colleagues and friends since last Friday's debut show on Gabriola.
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