Hedwig - Movie and Show!

[Akitarent]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 6:07pm

I can't believe this but <<cue dramatic music>> I am a Hedwig version only knowing some of the songs. I am DYING to see any incarnation of the show/movie but I am hesitant to see it with Taye because reviews have been all over the place.  I don't know if I want to start my first experience with such a great book and music (so I've been told many times) like that. 

 

My question I guess is...

How different is the movie than the musical.? JCM is Hedwig, so would there be pros and cons to having this be my first intro to Hedwig rather than seeing Taye?

 

Thanks

[The8re phan]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 6:14pm

The film and the stage show are completely different beasts..... The film has STUNNING visuals and performances, and Hedwig's back story is acted out (rather than told in monologue form as in the show). Seeing the film first shouldn't deter from enjoying the live show at all. And let me add, your first live Hedwig should NOT be Taye Diggs

 

Updated On: 8/15/15 at 06:14 PM

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 6:18pm

John should be your first Hedwig. Watch the film first.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 6:34pm

I actually watched the film the day before I saw the show for the very first time last year. Best decision I ever made. The film knocked me off my feet, and it made me even more eager for the stage production.

 

Like TotallyEffed said, JCM should always be your first Hedwig. Definitely watch the film first, and understand that though the story is the same, the forms of narrative are totally different (a wonderful decision on the creators' parts, as the story hits home equally on stage and screen).

 

And also, please do NOT make Taye your first Hedwig.

Updated On: 8/15/15 at 06:34 PM

[Glittergrrl]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 6:37pm

As a big Hed Head, I've been giving your question some serious thought.  While I think everyone should experience JCM as their first Hedwig, I really feel like you should see the show before the film.  I haven't heard great things about Taye Diggs.  Maybe you should wait and see who the next Hedwig is going to be.  This is a tricky one.  

[The8re phan]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 7:12pm

I've said it before and I'll say it again..... Why oh why is this beautiful movie STILL not available on blu-ray?

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 7:21pm

Like a version, touched for the very first time.

The movie didn't make much money at the theater and the DVD never really sold and was immediately in the bargain bins, truth be told.

Updated On: 8/15/15 at 07:21 PM

[Jane2]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 7:27pm

"Why oh why is this beautiful movie STILL not available on blu-ray?

Huh? I've had my blu-ray dvd for many years.

[haterobics]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 7:45pm

You can get it in HD on streaming services, or there's a 720p version floating around on the sites we call pirated...

 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 7:46pm

No, you haven't, Jane.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 7:47pm

I'd never seen the movie before the first time I saw it on stage (I won lotto when NPH was still there). I'd never heard the soundtrack or cast recording. I was slightly lost, but not enough to detract from my enjoyment of the show. You'll be fine.

[Jane2]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 8:15pm

"No, you haven't, Jane."

Well, I thought I did. I watched it two nights ago and the blu ray logo filled the screen.

[Actriz2]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 8:32pm

To put it simply:

The film sets very high expectations for the stage show, and the stage show meets them 110%.

[Jane2]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 8:35pm

"To put it simply:

The film sets very high expectations for the stage show, and the stage show meets them 110%."

Very well put!

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 8:55pm

Probably because you played the DVD on a Blu-Ray player. Unfortunately, Hedwig has never been released on Blu. Hoping Criterion comes to the rescue on this one.

[ChildofEarth]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 9:12pm

If you are completely in the dark, I would see the movie first. It will definitely help you understand the stage show, which can be confusion.

Do not see Taye.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 8/15/15 at 9:35pm

"To put it simply: The film sets very high expectations for the stage show, and the stage show meets them 110%."

 

YAS KWEEN.

[Akitarent]

Posted: 8/16/15 at 3:12pm

Thanks everyone! This has helped me out tremendously. I think I am going to watch the movie before seeing the show.  That way it will also give me some more context.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 8/17/15 at 3:29pm

"Probably because you played the DVD on a Blu-Ray player."

Oh snap! LMAO!!! How would you not know that?

 

 

 

 

[Jane2]

Posted: 8/17/15 at 4:05pm

^ I guess I'm pretty stupid, Carlos.

[lenahallfan]

Posted: 8/18/15 at 12:44pm

Hedwig is my favorite show and movie. I'm sad that Lena and NPH arent in it anymore. I really wanted to see Darren but I never got tickets. I really dont want to see Taye he really annoys me