Saw the show tonight. Michael is a great Hedwig. I saw NPH in the role previously and enjoyed both takes on the role. I do think NPH is better vocally, though. Michael's acting was spot on. And he sounds great too, grittier than NPH. Lena Hall is still giving an amazing performance, she's incredible.
JPeterman - I would definitely get seats further back. I was in the 3rd row center for NPH's final Hedwig performance and it was very uncomfortable for my neck because I was looking up. Also, you cannot enjoy the props for certain performances ex. Origin of Love and Wig in a Box because you're too close to the stage to take it all in...I chose a seat further back in front Mezzanine for MCH's performance for that reason. I enjoyed the show much more from that distance and angle during my first NPH viewing.
Thanks nyctechie, I remember being in about the 5th or 6th row for the two Shakespeare plays earlier this year and thinking the stage was really high and I was happy I wasn't any closer. I may just wait and see if anything else becomes available.
I saw the show yesterday, after having seen NPH's Tony-winning performance in August. I will say that although the look and voice of MCH are superior, no one can compare to the character and energy of NPH. I thought MCH's improv was suprisingly weak, and very thought out. The Belasco ghost may as well be cut. Lena seems to be a bit less comfortable with him, but still wonderful at the same time. The audience was not lively at all, many were dead faced. MCH will most likely improve, but I can't see him ever reaching the heights that NPH set with his run in the role.
I sat in the front row seats on the side when I saw NPH. Yes, it was too close and partially obstructed. I did get a great view when he comes over during the scene with finding the music from Hurt Locker.
I just saw MCH yesterday. He did an incredible job! I felt he captured the "spirit" of a transgender woman better than NPH. Played it more vulnerable than "bitchy".
Still stand by my opinion that NPH earned his Tony!
I would recommend seeing it with Hall.
I also agree with those that said that Lena is till kicking ass!
IMO, the best Hedwig I've seen was Michael Cerveris-he ran the gambit of emotions that the role requires. He had the danger to him, yet the hurt and vulnerability were there. Plus, he had the best voice of any of the actors I've seen. (And boy did he move well, even in the small Jane. I'd love to see him do it still, but I think that's not going to happen anytime soon.)
Duh, we know it isn't happening for Cerveris (yet-I can dream, right?). If Fun Home tanks, maybe he'll do a short run. (And given his participation in The Good Wife, he may not even be doing that.)
I personally prefer the more Broadway types. I say bring it to New World Stages and let it run there with Broadway people in the role.
I saw the show tonight and thought Hall was terrific. His voice is more ragged than Harris's or Rannells', but it suits the material. His physical movement was excellent. He was climbing the walls as well as NPH and handled the car wash without falling off the arms of the chair. Hall seemed at ease up on stage, and the jokes landed. His relationship was Yitzhak was touching at the end.
These were the best seats I have had so far for Hedwig, row D on the left side as you face the stage on the side aisle. Perfect view. Lena Hall is still great. The show is in fine shape!
I've been impressed with the three Broadway Hedwigs so far. Each is giving a nuanced performance. I hope the show continues its run!
He may not be transferring with Fun Home due to his work with The Good Wife.
And I'm glad you guys liked Michael C. Hall. I just don't get it. And I don't see myself going back again until he's gone. There are too many other shows I'd rather see and he's just not as good as any of the others I've seen (with one exception).
Upon reflecting on Hall's performance, the one slight negative I would say is that he's doing more of a rock interpretation, and so the lyrics are not as understandable as, say, the way Rannells sang them. You could hear every word with him. For someone going in without knowing the songs, that can be a drawback.
TGW seems pretty accommodating about lining up shooting scheduled around Broadway schedules. Alan Cumming says he shoots a lot of his scenes every other Monday.