Last week I checked out a show called “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” at a cool new cabaret theatre in Bree St called GATE69.
The theatre is an intimate 80-seater with a bit of a Moulin Rouge vibe. Expect plush furnishings, a rich colour scheme and lots and lots of general fabulousness. Let me give you a quick tour:
The downstairs bar…
The cosy, plush lounge…
The main theatre area…
Your ticket includes a delicious 2-tier mezze platter… #yum
The stage is set…
The hostess & face of GATE69 is the oh-so-regal Cathy Specific, South Africa’s very own aviation goddess and undisputed First Lady of Flying. For those who don’t know, Cathy Specific is the alter ego of the multiple award-winning Brendan van Rhyn (he of The Rocky Horror Show & Madame Zingara).
After rocking Broadway for quite a few years, Hedwig and the Angry Inch has finally made its way to Cape Town for a 2 month run which kicked off on 15 September.
Now I hadn’t done any prior research into the show, so wasn’t really sure what to expect. I thought that perhaps it would be more of a tongue-in-cheek kind of vibe, but the story actually has a very heartbreaking dialogue, one that’s delivered through excellent performances by both actors, intertwined with rock music and some laughter in between.
A bit more about the show:
- The musical was written by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask (who wrote the music).
- The music is influenced by the androgynous 1970’s glam rock style of David Bowie (in fact, David Bowie co-produced the Los Angeles production of the show), as well as musical works by John Lennon & Iggy Pop.
- It was made into a cult film in 2001 & is the winner of 4 Tony Awards
- The South African production stars Paul du Toit (The Rocky Horror Show, Same Time Next Year, Binnelanders, Backstage) and Genna Galloway (Grease, Showboat, Noah of Cape Town) and is directed by Elizma Badenhorst (I Love You, You’re Perfect – Now Change, Hot Mikado, Carrie-The Musical).
The story follows an East German transgender singer called Hedwig who assumes a female persona after a botched sex change operation which was intended to allow her to marry an American man she had fallen in love with. She does manage to get married & escape East Germany, but things don’t quite work out as she had hoped over in America. The musical explores Hedwig’s life and the challenges related to her complex gender identity. It’s a bit of a roller-coaster ride, but a very enlightening one.
If you’re in search of something different, I’d definitely recommend that you check this out.
Show times are as follows:
– Wednesday to Friday: 20h00
– Saturday : 20h00
– Sunday : 15h00
*Please note that doors open 1 hour prior to performance for a light dinner.
Price: R550 pp & includes:
– A pre take-off drink
– Delicious mezze served on double tiered Lazy Susan
– Separate hot bread service
– Sumptuous dessert
– A chance to feast your eyes on South Africa’s very own Aviation Goddess, Cathy Specific
Other need-to-knows:
- Dress Code: Look Fabulous. No shorts or sandals, or Cathy Specific will swallow you whole – and spit nothing out!
- Parking: Off street parking and parking at Heritage Square
- Address: 87 Bree Street (but the entrance is on the Hout St side)
For bookings call them on 071 589 2915 / 021-035 1627 or email them at info@gate69.co.za
xxx