Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Awards and Recognition
- 3.5 Stars (out of 4) OC Register
- RECOMMENDED Stage Raw
- WOW! StageSceneLA
- 4.5 Stars (out of 5) The Show Report
On the Cripe Stage…
This groundbreaking Obie-winning Off-Broadway smash that took Broadway by storm tells the story of “internationally ignored song stylist” Hedwig Schmidt, a fourth-wall smashing East German rock ‘n’ roll goddess who also happens to be the victim of a botched sex-change operation, which has left her with just “an angry inch.” This outrageous and unexpectedly hilarious story is dazzlingly performed by Hedwig (née Hansel) in the form of a rock gig/stand-up comedy routine backed by the hard-rocking band “The Angry Inch.” Using songs and monologues, Hedwig tells her story and her life’s search for “The Origin of Love.” It’s a rocking ride, funny, touching, and ultimately inspiring to anyone who has felt life gave them an inch when they deserved a mile.
“Veteran regional director Matthew McCray is back at Chance — he was the landlord overseeing last summer’s Rent — and he delivers all the thematic chaos with an assured hand.” OC Register
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch is ultimately a show about identity and finding wholeness within oneself. This is especially resonant now, in a sociopolitical climate where queer identities are being scrutinized and attacked. Chance Theater’s production never loses sight of these important themes, while also managing to be an uplifting whirlwind of a show.”Stage Raw
“The closer proximity of the audience to the beautiful, utterly mesmerizing Avery and their fellow musician-actors means we get even closer to the heart of the show’s emotionally raw performances… Meanwhile, the band—led by the sardonic facial tics of musical director Leigh—are absolutely rocking out hard, providing their divalicious frontwoman with the matching musical energy to accompany her volatile vocals”Broadway World
“There’s probably no theater in or around Orange County with a better track record where rock musicals are concerned than the Chance, proof positive of which can be savored with the latest Chance Theater rock masterpiece: Hedwig And The Angry Inch.” StageSceneLA
“The Chance Theater’s production of Hedwig And The Angry Inch is a testament to the timeless appeal of its story and music. It reflects the spirit of its era while remaining profoundly relevant today, offering a spectacle that is as moving as it is entertaining. For both long-time fans and newcomers, this production is highly recommended, promising an entertaining and thought-provoking evening of theatre.”Stage & Cinema
“Brilliantly innovative, heartbreaking, and wickedly funny, Hedwig And The Angry Inch is shamelessly enjoyable. Integrated with a pulsing score and an electrifying performance, it unravels the story of one of the most unique characters to ever hit the stage. As Mitchell and Trask’s spellbinding rock musical memoir, there is no other show quite like it, and I doubt there ever will be, given that it came about in the late 90’s and retained that twisted grunge-style indicative of the decade. So, for one of the hottest tickets in Orange County, contact Chance Theater while you can”The Show Report
“The show features a lot of great, genuinely rocking songs. I’ve listened to the original Broadway cast recording of Hedwig before seeing it at Chance Theatre. A lot of songs make for good standalone listening. There are also songs like “Wig In A Box” and “Exquisite Corpse” that are even better when you see them performed within the show.”The Orange Curtain Review
“Given the unusual set-up and the way the story proceeds in Mitchell’s book, this is a potentially challenging musical to direct. After all, we as a society have a far greater awareness about transgender individuals and their challenges than when the show first premiered. Gladly, Mr. McCray’s Direction acknowledges these strengths and sensitivities and doesn’t just make even the most unfamiliar elements coalesce; he makes (to borrow from a handy refrain) “the strangest things seem suddenly routine”. By the same token, he’s also not afraid to make the goings-on, ‘fun’ without ‘making fun’ of anyone.”Buck-ing Trends
Executive Producers
Susan Bowman & Freddie Greenfield
Associate Producers Rachelle Menaker & Eddie Schuller
Executive Season Producers
Bette & Wylie Aitken
Associate Season Producer The Family of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar
Community Partner
Show artwork designed by KC Wilkerson, kcwdigital.com.
Content advisories include:
- References to sexual assault, gender dysphoria, and transphobia
- Depictions of substance use and abuse, child abuse, and intimate partner abuse
LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY NIGHT |
| Friday, February 9, 7-11:00 p.m. |
| Community Partner: LGBTQ Center OC |
|
| Are you part of a Community Organization? Contact us at [email protected] for information on special discounts and fundraising opportunities. |
Venue Bette Aitken theater arts Center
- Full-Service Bar
- Free Parking
- Conveniently Located
See the show? Share your experience with us...
At a Glance
- Approximate Running Time:
- 1 hour, 40 minutes with no intermissions
- Special Notes:
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- Post-show discussion after each performance
- Join us for Opening Night as a Gold Member.
- Babes in arms and children under 4 are not permitted.
- 30% off for groups of 10 or more.
- Pay-What-You-Can Preview Performances
- Free Parking
- Potentially triggering content (see "Advisories" tab to the left)
I was blown away by the whole production, well done
It wasn’t what I expected in all the best ways. Cool venue, great show and performance. I loved it and I will be coming back!
The show was very interesting and the production, as always, was terrific. The music was outstanding and the choreography was great. So much energy!
I love this musical so much and have seen so many productions, but I found this one to be more entertaining with all of the cast not just the main character. Loved the venue, Loved the show!
This was a show I didn’t know I needed. Life changing! I didn’t expect to be emotionally invested the 2nd time, but once again the cast blew my mind with their energy and commitment to the story.
Enjoyed speaking with cast after the show.
I am a theater person. I love live performances. I’ve seen Hedwig on Broadway several times. I’ve seen the movie a handful of times. This production was wonderful, and everyone in the cast was equally talented. And of course Tom Avery, who I had never seen perform, is a superstar in my opinion!
Everybody was very kind, the performance was beautiful and had a lot of heart. Cast and crew involved were phenomenally talented.
I loved every part of this show and the theater! Incredible work from everyone involved <3
Chance theater has an amazing track record of putting on out of the ordinary, creative shows, and this show was AMAZING! We were blown away!!! Intimate theater gives the audience, us, the feeling that we’re part of the show, which is exciting, and emotionally grabs you. Wonderful!
An enjoyable performance of a great musical. People tend to think they have to trudge to LA to see great theatre, so it’s nice to let them know there’s a ton of cool stuff that’s much more accessible, both in terms of cost and distance.
Powerful content, talent in storytelling and musicianship
We enjoyed the evening. We definitely need more queer affirming stories. Thanks so much for this. It’s one of those moments I didn’t know i needed!
Talent. Script. The lead. We enjoyed the evening.
Talent. Script. The lead. We enjoyed the evening.
Loved the venue LOVED the cast and show! The venue is so cute and professionally run. The performance was really great. Especially loved the actor who played Hedwig. Perfect casting!
Great shows! Great acting!
Brilliant performances, production, and visuals Performances were beyond belief and absolutely incredible
cast was woderful; small venue; close to home lead actor was outstanding. Fun performance
Because it’s a wonderful production with terrific performances. It’s a show that I will come back and see multiple times. Tom Avery’s rendition of “Wicked Little Town” is the best I’ve heard.
Great performances and important topic for today
I think it was really well put together and the performers were great. Really loved the Q & A at the end as well! Great incite from each cast member really helped me look at Hedwig and the Angry Inch from different perspectives. I loved it! I’m very happy. And I’m looking forward to possibly visiting again.
Amazing! Absolutely love the venue
You guys put a lot of work and passion into it
The performances were great. Actirnolaying Hedwig did an exceptional job!
The cast was amazing! Hedwig was incredibly talented and so fun to watch. The set was great and the musicians were outstanding. Not only were the actors great but the staff was so nice! The woman who checked us in was so sweet. We will definitely be going back to this theater!
Insightful, emotional and moving, thought provoking
Love the show and performers
Great performance, cool costumes, cool story
Stories that highlight the LGBTQ+ community are important to share.
The vibe and cast were great. The ushers and bix office were kind and helpful. Just an enjoyable experience.
Entertainting. The lead was great.
It’s my favorite theatre. I loved everything
Affordable, high quality performance. Local theater, intimate setting. My friend and I truly enjoyed the performance. I was impressed by the talent of the actors and the overall production.
It was an explosion of fun, music and great performances
Quality acting, thought provoking play, and loved talking with the cast afterwards
Awesome Performance by all especially the lead!
I’ve told multiple people to get to the Chance, and I’ll keep telling people!
Can always count on wonderful performances at Chance
I absolutely loved this musical!
Because it was awesome and the actor who played Hedwig nailed it.
very talented performers. Hedwig and the drummer are extraordinarily talented
That was probably the most profoundly queer experience of my life. All the actors were fantastic
The production and performances were fantastic! The Director’s dinner was an absolute pleasure. I thought the performance was outstanding in every way!
The talent is absolutely incredible! I appreciated that there were earplugs available. I love seeing and meeting people from out of the area – LA and San Diego!
It’s a great cat, great production and was emotional. Lex Leigh is amazing! Swoons.
Made me proud to be in my own skin as someone who is physically challenged
powerful, thought provoking, intense, boundless energy. The main character was excellent, full of dynamic energy and emotion
Thoroughly enjoyed it!
It was FANTASTIC! Loved the Q & A after
Hedwig the main actor.was super talented. The rang of talent that was shown through out the whole performance. The many voices, the facial expressions and attitudes were all so different and just extremely entertaining. The music was just perfect. All the actors were great. They were perfect for their parts. I love the advising and full character irritation when the cords were getting stuck and the w7g falling off. It wasn’t apart of the show but they just made it so perfectly entertaining and it made it better with the actors rolling with the puches so to speak. I am amazed how wonderful it is to watch live performances. I never I new how exciting and extremely intense these shows would be. It keeps getting better everytime I attend a performance. I really loved Hedwing and the angry inch. Funny, heartfelt, over the top, raw, personal, draws you in and it entertains every emotion in me. Love love love love love love it I may be going to see it again! It was that great!
absolutely outstanding.
Awesome Performance by all especially the lead!
Great energy, important message!