Explosive power of Hedwig’s angst-filled story

From the moment that Seann Miley Moore struts onto the stage in the title role of Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Athenaeum Theatre, his explosive energy and charisma shine through as he retells his amazing story of survival.

John Cameron Mitchell (text) and Stephen Trask (music and lyrics) created a cult musical which won the 2014 Tony Award for best revival of a musical.

This new Australian production had its premiere at the 2025 Adelaide Festival and after its current Melbourne season – which started as part of the Rising festival – continues its tour in Sydney.

Moore’s powerful voice delivers angst-riddled numbers on the small stage that is shared by his wife, a Croatian Jewish drag queen named Yitzhak (Adam Noviello) and a four-member rock band called The Angry Inch led by keyboard-playing musical director Victoria Falconer.

Born in East Berlin as Hansel Schmidt before the fall of the Wall, the singer dreams of stardom in the United States. However, life descends into a downward spiral after a botched sex-change operation.

While she struggles to make ends meet performing gigs in downtrodden venues around the US, her heartache is compounded by an unfaithful American GI and her former lover Tommy Gnosis, who is enjoying stardom after stealing her songs and touring at major concert stadiums.

In Hedwig and the Angry Inch a masterful piece of staging is used to highlight the contrast between Gnosis’ success and Hedwig’s struggles.

The 90-minute production (without interval) features poignant numbers and rock anthems including The Origin of Love, Midnight Radio, Tear Me Down and audience favourite Sugar Daddy.

The action moves at a fast pace, interspersed with wit, humour and cheeky audience interaction. Credit to costume designers Katie-Louise Nicol-Ford and her partner Lilian for creating Hedwig’s eye-catching outfits including her flamboyant blonde wig.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch relies heavily on the charisma of its star – and succeeds admirably.

Noviello also gets an opportunity to showcase his singing and acting talents. Also in the cast, as off-stage cover for Yitzhak, is Sydney actor Amy Hack, who recently starred in Kadimah’s production of Yentl.

Moore appeared on TV’s The Voice in 2021 and at Pride events in Australia and overseas, but it was his imposing performance as the Engineer in Miss Saigon in the 2023 touring production that drew wider attention to his talents.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre until June 29, followed by a season at Sydney’s Carriageworks from July 17 to August 3. Bookings: hedwig.com.au