Anyone see Michael C Hall in Hedwig yet? — Page 3

Background: Having been a long-time obesessee (is that a word?) of JCM as Hedwig, both on stage and screen, I was VERY skeptical of NPH in the role. It reeked of a combination vanity project vehicle/stunt casting. However, I saw it early in previews, fell head over high heels, and saw the show a subsequent 12 times with Neil (I know). Of course, I went back to see Andrew Rannells. I regret to report that I just didn't buy it. Something about him in the role seemed...incongruent. I can't explain because he's a great performer (although I find his voice a bit grating). I think in the end he lacked the necessary star quality (I know many will disagree) and command of the stage I think is required to play Hedwig. I saw AR's first show and decided to go back for his last, anticipating some growth in the role, which, alas, did not seem to have occurred to the degree I had hoped.
Since I simply could not wait, I also went to MCH's first show. I think this is the best sung Hedwig, although he's better in the the ballads than in the harder rock. He does not move as well (I thought that was NPH's biggest asset: his physicality, fluidity and agility of movement along with a distinctly feminine manner) and agree with the previous post that he walks like a man in heels, but he does look quite stunning in drag (I also found that AR came across rather matronly as a woman). I was surprised to find that his interpretation lacked the darkness I had expected, although his breakdown was incredibly intense. There are many kinks to be worked out (mic cord in particular) but I look forward eagerly to revisiting this show with MCH.

Updated On: 10/17/14 at 03:27 PM

Oh man I want to see him so badly but I don't think I can make it to the states before Jan 4. Ugh i hope it sells out so it extends.

I would say so. https://twitter.com/Nastassia_MS/status/523151487531499520

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I really hate that, wait I think I see my wife.

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I would not be surprised if Alan Cumming is up next. I'm still holding out hope for Cheyenne Jackson.

I would love to see Raul Esparza in this! He would be epic!!!

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I kind of doubt Raul Esparza would get picked up except as a fill-in. In the last production, Hedwig was a character actor's role, one that didn't run on star power, that in fact avoided it, but ran on Hedwig as a person, an entity.

In this run, Hedwig has become an event role. Not stunt casting like Chicago, per se, but a show running on star casting, sort of like How to Succeed did a few years ago.

The very front row is way too close, the stage is high, and those people were looking straight up the entire time. I sat in the second row, and was still slightly cramped by the end of the evening.

Yeah, there is a reason for that :) But, if you are committed to looking straight up, seeing Michael that close is probably cool. Second row was close enough for me.

Hall was on fire tonight. While I felt Rannells sang the part the best, Hall really embodies the soul of Hedwig through his acting, improv, and overall presence. My problem with NPH, while practically flawless in the role, he seemed to be playing at the character sometimes, not with it.
MCH definitely has a different perspective on the role, and plays it almost darker than his predecessors. The best way I can describe it, is when MCH says, "I laugh, because I will cry if I dont," it seems like he truly wants to cry. With NPH and AR, I felt that they were more on the laughing side.
MCH's additional improvs were hilarious. There were definitely some lines in the show tonight that I've never heard before. The only thing that really fell flat for me were the 3 "box people" sides. He just didn't play it off that well. He never really reacted. But, it was his 4th show to the public, so I completely understand that he's getting his footing. He is in great freaking shape for this early in a run. He is going to flourish in this part.

Lena Hall is still kicking ass.

darreyl02, the front row wasn't too close for you? If not, that's great. I am hesitant to buy seats in the front row with Sutton Ross' comments and my experiences with other shows at the Belasco in the past. But there are not a lot of other good seats available for the shows I am able to attend.

Which would be better, in anyone's opinion, front row center or the 2 front row seats on the side, which are set slightly further back from the stage?

@JPeterman - Front row was just fine for me- but it might depend on how tall you are. The set is simple and dosn't really change much. Most of the action takes place center stage. I would avoid alot of the extreme sides because they can be obstructed by the set on the sides. It's also a little easier on your ears. The sides put you in front of the speakers- which are LOUD. lol

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Any feedback on how Hall played off of Lena? What was his Hedwig like with Yitzhak?? :)