Search - John Cameron Mitchell :: Hedwig And The Angry Inch: Original Cast Recording

The Perfect Homage to Hedwig

Scooper | 09/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are trying to decide which CD to buy-- the original live cast performance, or the film version-- go for the original cast. The film version is excellent, but the original cast version is absolutely amazing! It has more raw energy to it, not to mention more voices in the songs and a more overall 'rock' feel, thanks to Cheater's guitars, bass, and drums. John Cameron Mitchell is a much raunchier Hedwig on this version, and Miriam Shor's Yitzak is the perfect vocal complement to her. If that isn't enough to persuade you, this CD comes complete with unforgettable pictures and the words to all the songs. Also included in the booklet is a very intriguing and entertaining portrayal of Hedwig from a reporter who visits her dressing room for an interview.In all, this album pays Hedwig the perfect and complete homage she so very much deserves and commands."

Easily the Best Rock Musical Since HAIR

Terry Serres | Minneapolis, MN United States | 07/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Forget RENT's forced excesses of schlocky chic (amusingly spoofed in the Hedwig movie but not the theater piece), this is a show that really rocks! It's the best rock musical since HAIR, based on the strength of the score alone ... but also to the extent of being a true countercultural phenomenon and a politico-socio-sexual statement.The lyrics are canny, fun, and wise. The music is amazingly original and effective ... despite the songs being a pastiche in the manner of many great musicals like Chicago and Follies -- you've got a power rock opener, a brooding ballad, a country-western ditty, a heavy metal screamer, a cabaret confessional, a punked-out rant, a ya-ya bubblegum number, a singer-songwriter folk tune, an arena anthem. And John Cameron Mitchell brings a different, utterly convincing, voice to each wonderful song.This performance is preferable to the film soundtrack, and not just because the whole experience has a greater impact and more meaning on the stage. The added song here "Random Number Generation" (a number that is not part of the show but a song by the original band) is better than the songs "We are Freaks" and "Nailed" on the film soundtrack. The singing has more edge, more intimacy and vulnerability, but no less beauty. The playing is more immediate, the difference between a drag queen with a little stubble and one that is neatly Naired. And, not insignificantly, the cast album includes all lyrics whereas the soundtrack omits them.I really think this is an important, heartfelt, and enduring musical experience. Rock for the Ages."

Still shining like the brightest star

shaniezak | Los Angeles, CA | 05/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Brilliant. Astounding, breathtaking, electrifying, profound on more levels than I may ever discover. I fell completely in love with "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" from the very first preview night of its Los Angeles run, and I knew right off that this cast album was a must-have.This, ladies and gentlemen, whether you like it or not, is THE definitive rock musical. No "rock musical" that came before it even comes close to reaching the true edge and impact that Hedwig does. Stephen Trask's versatile score displays a broad range of musical influence, glorying in a sense of pastiche that really makes you think about the question of self-identity that runs through the show. It's amazing how a song like "The Origin of Love," with its very Dr. Seussian lyrics, can still pack such an impact; "Wicked Little Town" is gorgeous; "Midnight Radio" will always bring tears to my eyes.Michael Cerveris will always be my favorite Hedwig, but John Cameron Mitchell, the originator, has a beautiful voice and infuses the character of Hedwig with a delicate, yet edgy touch. And as a bonus, the cast album contains the rocking track "Random Number Generation," to better show off Miriam Shor's incredible talent!"