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| Seann Miley Moore Stephen Trask Adam Noviello |
I was in time to see the red carpet arrivals and soak in the excitement as guests, performers, and creatives made their way into the venue.
The production centres on Hedwig, a queer East German singer with a fractured sense of identity and a traumatic past. Through biting monologues and explosive glam rock performances, Hedwig recounts the journey from Cold War-era Berlin to small-town America — weaving a tale of lost love, self-discovery, and survival, all while fronting her punk band, The Angry Inch.
From Underground Clubs to Global Stages
Hedwig and the Angry Inch began as a deeply personal collaboration between writer-performer John Cameron Mitchell and composer Stephen Trask. Originally performed in downtown New York clubs in the late 1990s, the show emerged from their shared desire to create a project they could both perform in — one that blended the raw energy of a rock gig with the emotional punch of intimate theatre.Inspired in part by Mitchell’s own life experiences, the character of Hedwig was crafted as a complex, gender-nonconforming anti-hero whose vulnerability is matched only by her explosive charisma. Trask’s blistering, glam-infused score helped transform Hedwig’s story into a full-blown theatrical phenomenon.
Over time, the show grew from underground hit to cult classic, eventually spawning an acclaimed film adaptation and a Tony Award-winning Broadway revival. Its unique blend of rock concert, drag show, and soul-baring confessional continues to challenge conventions and connect with audiences across generations.
Adding a special spark to the Sydney premiere was the presence of Stephen Trask, who flew in from the United States to witness this new staging of the work he co-created. His attendance served as a powerful reminder of the show’s legacy — and its continued resonance more than 25 years after its first performance.
Seann Miley Moore Shines as Hedwig
Taking centre stage was the magnetic Seann Miley Moore, who delivered a breathtaking performance as Hedwig. Known for standout appearances on The X Factor UK and The Voice Australia, Seann brought an extraordinary combination of vocal power, emotional vulnerability, and camp flamboyance to the role. With every note and nuance, Seann made the audience laugh, cry, and reflect. Sean's performance was both larger-than-life and heartbreakingly human.Adam Noviello Brings Quiet Strength as Yitzhak
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| Hedwigs Caravan |
Covering Yitzhak on select performances is Amy Hack, a gifted performer known for her theatre and cabaret work. Her presence brings an exciting alternate perspective to the role, enriching the emotional tension between Hedwig and Yitzhak.
The Angry Inch: A Rock Band That Steals the Show
Backing Hedwig’s journey was the scorching live band, The Angry Inch, whose musical chops elevated the entire production to another level.- Victoria Falconer on keyboards served as musical director and multi-instrumentalist, grounding the performance with musical precision and charisma.
- Glenn Moorhouse on guitar delivered fierce, high-energy solos that crackled with punk and glam rock edge.
- Felicity Freeman brought grit and groove on bass guitar, anchoring the show’s rhythmic intensity.
- Jarrad Payne on drums drove the tempo with powerful percussion, providing the heartbeat of the show from start to finish.
Together, this group brought the original score by Stephen Trask to vivid life, performing fan-favourites like "Wig in a Box", "Angry Inch", and the emotional anthem "Midnight Radio" with flair and conviction.
A Stage Set for Transformation
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| Hedwig and the Angry Inch Photo Wall |
Lighting design expertly shifted with the emotional rhythm of the story, from bold reds to melancholy blues, while the sound system handled every gritty guitar riff and whispered confession with clarity and balance.
Carriageworks: Sydney’s Industrial-Chic Arts Hub
Carriageworks, with its raw industrial charm and cultural credibility, was the perfect venue for Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The venue’s cavernous warehouse spaces and exposed steel beams matched the production’s aesthetic of rebellion, transformation, and identity. Its location in the inner-city arts district gave the night an electric, underground vibe that complemented the show’s tone beautifully.A Glamorous Afterparty to Cap Off the Night
After the final applause, opening night guests were treated to a stylish and relaxed afterparty within Carriageworks. The event featured a delicious spread of gourmet food and flowing drinks. Performers and creatives mingled freely with guests, making for an inspiring end to a powerful theatrical evening.A Night That Dared, Moved, and Electrified
Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Carriageworks was more than just an opening night — it was a full-bodied theatrical event that pulsed with heart, humour, and unapologetic authenticity. From the emotional highs of Seann Miley Moore’s powerhouse performance to the raw energy of The Angry Inch band, every element came together to deliver a show that was as intimate as it was explosive. With Stephen Trask in the audience and a standing ovation to close the night, it was clear that Hedwig continues to resonate — not just as a cult classic, but as a living, breathing celebration of identity, transformation, and the power of finding your voice.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
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| Seann Miley Moore Stephen Trask Adam Noviello |
To book tickets and learn more about Carriageworks and upcoming performances, visit:
More information about Hedwig and the Angry Inch can be found at: https://hedwig.com.au/
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