The John Cameron Mitchell-Stephen Trask work began Nov. 20, 2002 at the California venue with Kevin Cahoon — also an Off-Broadway replacement star. Cahoon will return March 26 to the run which is currently scheduled through June 29.
Hedwig centers on a confused young boy in East Germany who flees the Iron Curtain with the help of an American G.I. Not fully a woman (the sex change operation is botched), Hedwig nurtures the rock 'n' roll talent of another young boy and is betrayed for her efforts. Hedwig takes place after a scandal has granted the failed rock diva a small concert gig, right across the river from a stadium show starring her protege.
Somers recently originated the role of Herbert in the Broadway musical Dance of the Vampires. Other credits include The Rocky Horror Show, Once Around the Sun, We're All Dead and Night Vision. No stranger to the music scene, Somers sings, plays guitar and writes songs for the rock band Moneyshot, which plays regularly in and around New York City.
Jason Eagan directs the cast which also features Lisa M. Engelken as Yitzak and The Angry Inch Band headed up by music director Perry James (Schlatko/ drums), Matthew Black (Skszp/ keys-guitar-vocals), Nick Folger (Krzyzhtoff/ guitar) and Matthew Sperry (Jacek/ bass). The creative team includes Dustin O'Neill (sets), Francis Black (costumes), Chris Booras (lighting) and Thomas Craft (sound).
The original Off-Broadway run opened at the Jane Street Theatre Feb. 14, 1998 where it played 857 performances before closing April 9, 2000. Peter Askin directed with Jerry Mitchell handling musical staging. Mitchell played the title role with Miriam Shor as Yitzak. The title role would also be played by Michael Cerveris, Matt McGrath and Ally Sheedy. A movie version of Hedwig followed alongside countless regional productions and international debuts in London and Edinburgh.
Songs in the score include "Tear Me Down," "The Origin of Love," "Wig in a Box," "Sugar Daddy," "Angry Inch," "Wicked Little Town," "The Long Grift" and "Exquisite Corpse."
Cahoon originated the role of Ed the hyena in Broadway's The Lion King. He has since starred in the recent Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show and in Encores!'s Babes in Armsand Hair.
For tickets to Hedwig at The Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th Street (between Mission and South Van Ness) in San Francisco, CA, call (415) 392-4400. For more information, visit www.hedwigsf.com.
