Firstly, thanks to everyone for showing their support after poor Jackson’s passing. Your notes and kind words are so comforting, and I feel some happiness in knowing that you were sweet enough to spare a moment to think of him and his life. I’m still very sad when I think of him, but your messages were relieving.
On an entirely different note, I was fortunate enough to be heading up to Sydney with Greg tonight to see Hedwig And The Angry Inch. Quite simply, it even surpassed Sweeney Todd in pure power. As a fan of the movie and having read the script for the stage version, I was still entirely enthralled and devoured by amazing iOTA’s performance. Everything from his already proven vocals to his movements and acting were perfect. About half way into the intermissionless show (while I love the idea, most shows need a break), I noted how much he was sweating under the wig, make up, lights and costumes, not to mention his endless bouncing around the stage. As he stood, emotionally and physically stripped to sing Midnight Radio to the audience, his body was dripping with sweat. The energy level of his performance could have filled a room dozens of times larger, and I almost felt guilty that he subjected his body to so much torture for the relatively small audience (I guessed about 100-120ish in the audience). It was clear that he would never consider giving any less if the audience had just one person. I would gladly go see it again, just for the luxury of bathing in his performance again.
As an added bonus, I ran into fellow blogger James after the show. James was pre-occupied by his own company, but was kind enough to say ‘Hi’ just as I was about to subject my internal organs to a shock of indian food the likes of which it has not seen for a while. What a lovely atmostphere Oxford Street had of that hour of the evening, and the chance to meet a blogger who’s blog I’ve read for years.
This was the kick-off of a big weekend. Tomorrow I’m on air co-hosting with usual host Kevin and I’ll be talking about Adam Guettel’s song cycle Myths and Hymns, and we’re playing the whole album. Sunday I have first band rehearsal followed (sans guitarist), followed by cast rehearsal for Tick Tick Boom which will occupy all of Sunday. Then low and behold, it’s finally time to go back to uni next week. But ma, I don’t wanna, I’m happy doing what I’m doing, even if it is slightly criminal (but to whom?)…
For years? But I’m so young :) Yes, lovely to meet you also. I’m quite shy and hoped I wasn’t being rude in saying hello. Thanks for saying hello to a real life stranger.
James – Not rude at all. Of course, I reserve the right, under certain circumstances, to deny my blogger status and disavow all knowledge of having “one of those websites, you say? Like on the world wide web?”. And besides, now I’ll be telling all my friends that I’m mega famous on the interwebs.
You’re e-famous, baby! I remember those days… le sigh. :) Glad you loved Hedwig. I would have liked to have gone but work… bleurgh.
Will I get to see you Sunday night? Hope you’re not too tired. Maybe for a little bit?
Hi James, i would have said hello .. but Tyson was WAAAAY to overcome at his blog celebrtiy to introduce us, i was the nitwit standing there holding the steaming, festering korma :-)
You know another Kevin? You’re the first person I know who would even admit knowing anybody called Kevin let alone knowing two.
Tyson!! i just noticed you have a photo of my ‘Ye Olde Shitter’ up on your Flickr account, how unsavoury! and WORSE you dont mention that soon after this photo was taken i actually stuck up a heap of KFC moist towlettes for visitors with delicate rectums to use, you cant suggest i’m not THE perfect host.
Minty – Greg suggested *in*famous, but I corrected him. Sunday night would be fine. I’m at rehearsal all Sunday, so don’t go expecting me to make phone calls though.
Kevin – Don’t worry, I always keep an eye out for a particular Kevin on the trains to abuse when they are late.
Tammy – Those KFC moist towelettes have industry strength oil thinner to get the stuff off your skin before it starts to seep in. Heaven help your guests’ anuses (ani?)
I’ve seen iOta as Hedwig 3 times now (once this time around and twice late last year at @Newtown) and each time has been fabulous. What amazing energy he has, not to mention the fact that he basically IS the entire show. I can’t imagine handling all that dialogue and music without losing your way or your performance energy even once. Amazing.
The Other Andrew – It’s truly a wonder, supported by wonderful direction and choreography. I was surprised that it never felt like Hedwig was just pacing the stage. As I said before, my favourite moment is when Hedwig sings backup to Yitzak.
That track where Hedwig sings back up is the only song NOT in the movie version. I love it. Did you buy the Australian Cast CD? It’s quite good, a very spare and ‘live’ sounding production.
The Other Andrew – That number had some of the sharpest and perfect backup singing I’ve ever heard. I did indeed buy the cast cd on offer. I was a little dissappointed it wasn’t even more “live”. I would have enjoyed a real live recording, seeing as though there are already at least two very good studio produced versions of the show on CD.
Hi Tammy, nice to meet you also. James
James – Don’t encourage him.