Philadelphia’s lone RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, Mimi Imfurst (A.K.A Braden Chapman), takes on the titular role in this reTHEATER production of John Cameron Mitchell’s cult-fave rock musical from the late ’90s.
Producers say the show will re-examine the work while also paying homage to its history and influence in the LGBTQ and musical theater communities—something Chapman says he felt personally.
“When I was 15, my family disowned me for being gay. I was living on the streets and my only possessions were the clothes on my back, a discman, and the original Off-Broadway cast recording of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Those songs in many ways kept me going during the most difficult time in my life. Now 20 years later, it brings me full circle to bring to life this incredible story and live in these songs that once saved me in unimaginable ways.”
Chapman also co-directs the production along with Josh Hitchens, and stars alongside cast members Sav Souza, Stephanie C. Kernisan, Bobby Goodrich, Paul Severe Harlan, Robert Covello, and Tucker Marshall.
