Hedwig and the Angry Inch Next Up for American Stage

ST. PETERSBURG — Get ready to rock. American Stage is back May 15 with John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask's 1998 classic rock opera, Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Hedwig, an “internationally ignored song stylist” hailing from East Berlin, will take the stage at the Raymond James Theatre in downtown St. Pete before heading to Jannus Live in its final week.

“Hedwig encapsulates the radical journey that so many have endured to be able to love their body and themselves fully," said Producing Artistic Director Helen R. Murray. "And while hers is a trans story, a rocker's story, and an immigrant story, it is so very much a story for everyone.” 

Fueled by dark humor and rock ‘n’ roll, Hedwig’s story is punctuated by a series of self-written rock songs, and follows her quest for love, identity, and acceptance. New York-based actor Matthew McGloin plays the titular character, with whom he feels a particular connection.

“I feel connected to Hedwig because both sides of her coin, so to speak, deeply resonate with me:  she is wickedly funny and wants everyone around her to join in the fun, while she is also vulnerable, a bit lost, and willing to bleed out her story in front of others,” says McGloin. McGloin’s past credits include “The Hello Girls” (Prospect Theater/59E59), “Xanadu” (Piper Theatre), and Law & Order (NBC).

After its initial run at The Raymond James Theatre ends on June 12, the show will travel to concert venue Jannus Live for its final shows (June 13 - 16). The change in venue is part of American Stage’s “Beyond the Stage'' programming, which focuses on immersive, diverse storytelling explored in groundbreaking formats. Emphasis on immersive, in Hedwig’s case.

“I have this vision of performing at Jannus Live, looking up at the sky while belting out Hedwig’s songs, looking out over a crowd as we’re all entwined in a moment of worship and celebration, together,” says McGloin. 

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” runs from May 15 to June 12, 2024, at The Raymond James Theatre and June 13 to 16 at Jannus Live. Tickets for “Hedwig at Jannus” can be purchased at www.americanstage.org.  Tickets for “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” at Raymond James Theatre go on sale April 17.