Press: Tony Award winning rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch to open at Cape Town’s new theatre

Brilliantly innovative, heartbreaking, and wickedly funny, Hedwig and the Angry Inch the iconic rock musical, is to open at Gate69, Cape Town’s newest theatre venue on Bree Street, on 15 September 2016.

A landmark musical by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask that is “groundbreaking and undoubtedly ahead of its time” (Entertainment Weekly), this genre-bending, fourth-wall-smashing musical sensation, with its pulsing score and electrifying performances, tells the story of one of the most unique characters to ever hit the stage. The music, written by Stephen Trask, is steeped in the androgynous 1970’s glam rock style of David Bowie (who co-produced the Los Angeles production of the show), as well as the work of John Lennon and Iggy Pop. Originally directed by Tony Award® winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening) and winner of four 2014 Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival, Hedwig and the Angry Inch played to record-breaking sell-out crowds on Broadway and promises to do the same in the Mother City.

The South African production will star Paul du Toit (The Rocky Horror Show, Same Time Next Year, Binnelanders, Backstage) and Genna Galloway (Grease, Showboat, Noah of Cape Town) and will be directed by Elizma Badenhorst (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Hot Mikado, Carrie-The Musical). Design is by Niall Griffin and musical direction is by Wessel Odendaal.

After their sell out success of I love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change that ran recently to huge acclaim at the Theatre on the Bay, VRG Theatrical in association with Gate69 will present the unusual and controversial Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The story is about a fictional rock band fronted by an East German transgender singer called Hedwig, formerly known as Hansel, who assumes a female persona after a botched sex change operation that was performed to allow her to marry an American man and escape East Germany. The musical explores Hedwig’s life and complex gender identity.

GATE69, perfectly positioned on Bree Street, is an intimate new 80-seater theatre that prizes itself on world class entertainment, delicious mezze cuisine and unparalleled service. Plush and ornate, the downstairs bar is perfect for those who wish to enjoy a pre-show drink or wind down after a performance. The space functions as part of the theatre as well as a venue on its own. This gem in the heart of the Mother City is the ideal corporate event hire venue, perfectly suited for launches and private functions. The face of the establishment and the hostess each evening is the ridiculously regal Cathy Specific, South Africa’s very own aviation goddess and undisputed First Lady of Flying. This quintessential ‘trolley dolly’ is the alter ego of the multiple award-winning Brendan van Rhyn, (The Rocky Horror Show, Madame Zingara) and a firm favourite amongst theatre fans. Being greeted at the door by this 7ft, busty blonde bombshell is an experience to remember and reason enough to return!

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is the perfect production to introduce Gate69 to Capetonians. The production runs from 15 September to 27 November 2016. Tickets cost R550 per person and include a welcome drink, a mezze platter, a hot bread service and dessert. Bookings are via the box office on 0715892915 or www.gate69.co.za. Strictly no persons under 16 years of age.