I saw this for the first time on Thursday (March 12), and it was fantastic. Wonderful cast, great set. JCM is still in the knee brace, and does an excellent job incorporating it into the show. He embodies Hedwig in a way where you are seeing Hedwig - not someone playing a character.
I was able to stick around after the show while waiting for a friend to get out of her show, and met the cast who came out. JCM handed out signed Sugar Daddys, and also stopped on the way to his car to ask if I would like my Playbill signed. I was pretty shocked, but thankfully had a sharpie in my purse.
I saw it last Thursday and Friday and he flew in both times. He turns around to take a selfie at one point in America the Beautiful and on Friday he dropped the phone and it was hilarious.
After having to exchange my tickets due to the knee injury, I finally got to see this last night and it was worth the wait. JCM was phenomenal and very mobile. The knee brace seemed to be merely a prop (I know it's not) which again goes to show how amazing this guy is.
I saw NPH during previews and I didn't like his take on the role. I couldn't exactly pinpoint why I wasn't a fan but something wasn't working. Now having seen JCM I've got it: NPH was simply too polished and showy. He ultimately sounded like someone's dad who was finally given permission to say naughty words. It was scripted and slick. JCM is a rambling MESS and I mean that in the BEST way possible. Oh man, he would ramble in such an entertaining and hilarious way and eventually lose his place in the overall story but still make it work. It once again felt like a sloppy cabaret act featuring a star who is falling apart at the seams in the most diva way possible...it was perfect.
My boyfriend went with me - he had never seen this live. (He was called up on stage during the Grindr bit.) He said he paid less attention to the story but was more in awe of the character.
I'm now a rambling incoherent mess but this is all to say I LOVED it and I'm so happy I was able to see JCM. Bravo to all involved.
After originally buying tickets to the cancelled show in February, I finally saw this production last night. I really can't say anything that hasn't been said about this production or JCM's performance, but if you're a fan of this material you have to see it. It's a masterful performance- hilarious, intense, and heartbreaking. Whenever I see this show or watch the movie, I tend to lose a little interest after Wig in a Box, but last night I felt so invested simply because JCM's performance is that good. He knows this material inside and out, and he makes it work beautifully in a way that no one else can.
The rest of the production is, of course, excellent, and the band is kickass. Also, having not seen this particular production, I was blown away by Lena Hall. She's got a killer voice, and when Hedwig gives Yitzhak the wig during Midnight Radio, I nearly burst into tears. It's a spectacular night and really shouldn't be missed.
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
Thanks for your thoughts, wonderfulwizard. I love reading everyone's reactions to JCM's performance. I've been burning up my credit cards to see him as many times as possible. He seems to sink deeper into the character every time I see him. It's really an extraordinary experience and I hope everyone who even thinks they might want to see the show does so before he leaves on 4/26.
Agreed - I never get tired of reading the rave reviews and hearing from other people who were as affected by JCM's performance as I was. And I'm also glad to hear from other people who've spent a lot of money on tickets and/or seen several performances in a row - at least I'm in good company. My husband and I had to reschedule our original trip, but finally saw JCM twice in one weekend and it was so incredible that I knew I had to go back. We're going again in a couple of weeks, and just to be "efficient" are planning to see all 4 shows Friday and Saturday. On the one hand I feel kind of insane for doing that, but on the other hand I know other people who have done it and thought it was worth it, and I won't regret it. JCM seems to be one of the few people who can make a show feel new and fresh with every performance.
I've also seen NPH twice, Andrew Rannells and Michael C. Hall once each, and have tickets for JCM's final performance. This is turning into an insanely expensive passion, but I don't spend that much money on anything else and I would completely do it all over again. Having committed so much at this point though, I feel like I have to see every Hedwig at least once, which could get a little ridiculous. :)
I've seen NPH once (which I liked), MCH once (which was so much fun - my glasses were licked) and next month will see JCM for the 3rd and final time. Seeing JCM really opened up the deeper meaning of this show and the music for me. I think he is transcendent. I love hearing about everyone's experiences too - keep them coming!
I apologize if this question is a bit redundant, but just out of curiosity, how is rear mezz for the show compared to middle/rear balcony? Debating on which to go with for John's last show.
I've sat in mid-balcony and mid-mezz and I definitely preferred the mezz. The balcony's pretty high up, so you're looking down at a bit of an angle from there.
I've seen it twice in mid-mezzanine and once in mid-balcony. I'd definitely recommend the mezzanine. You'll still be able to see some of his audience interactions. We couldn't see much of anything he did in the audience when we were in the balcony.
Thanks guys! I ended up going with the rear mezz :). I've sat in the balcony for this show twice and remember having issues at times with the railing being in the way.