EMAV Review: Hedwig and the Angry Inch **** (Delicious)

Steffan Scrogan as Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Courtesy Photo)

One wonderful Inch

By Paul Atreides

The Off-Broadway-to-Broadway sensation, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, a book by John Cameron Mitchell, music and lyrics by Stephen Trask, has come to Las Vegas under the direction of Troy Heard at Majestic Repertory Theatre.

Filled with local gags and pop culture, the rock musical takes the audience on a journey through the life of Hansel as he becomes Hedwig, how it all came about, and how the Angry Inch is now on a national tour through the United States.

Of course, Hedwig is not a superstar and finds venues such as the one Majestic has placed in The Buffalo Exchange Outlet, a vintage clothing store that has been around for ages. The inside of the theatre is packed with all the things you’d find if you paid a visit to the real thing. That’s one of Heard’s strong points in producing; the minute details of the sets are always amazing to discover.

Steffan Scrogan is amazing in the title role of the genderqueer wannabe rock star and delivers a near non-stop monologue, breaking into songs that move the story arc along. An incredible voice breaks free in the ballad “Wicked Little Town,” and Scrogan, drag artist Anya Knees, brings every bit of pathos the song requires.

I got the feeling the cast wasn’t ready for such an enthusiastic and raucous crowd. In dialogue, Scrogan often didn’t wait for the audience’s laughter, whistling, applause, and hooting and hollering to subside. As a result, even some tagline gags were lost.

Always forced into the background of the story by Hedwig, and always singing backup, is the character of Yitzhak (Zelda Fairfax). But when Hedwig finally finds peace of mind and pushes Yitzhak to the front, she soars above and beyond.

The band is filled with some talented folks as well. They not only play all the numbers but they must all interact with Hedwig as the play progresses.

The biggest issue facing the production is the sound. That’s a fairly typical problem, whether you’re in a small space like Majestic or at T-Mobile for a concert – the band will often drown out the vocals. Rock music, particularly of the genre used in this play, is inherently loud with lyrics often swallowed up. But when those words of the songs are meant to carry the story forward, and you can’t hear them, you lose the magic.

Overall, you can anticipate that the bugs will be worked out and the cast will settle in. It may be angry, but it’s a truly beautiful and wonderful Inch.

What: Hedwig and the Angry Inch

When: Thursday to Saturday 8 p.m.; Sundays 9:30 p.m.; through February 26

Tickets: $45 to $60 (www.majesticrepertory.com)

Grade: **** (Delicious)

Producer: Majestic Repertory Theatre; Director: Troy Heard; Lighting: David Schulman

EMAV Review: Clown Bar 2 A World Premiere ★★★★

Clowns All Over

By Paul Atreides

Author, playwright

Theater critic at EatMoreArtVegas.com

Twitter: @atreides_paul

Author of the "World of Deadheads" novels

**** (Delicious)

“Well I don't know why I came here tonight, I've got the feeling that something ain't right, I'm so scared in case I fall off my chair, and I'm wondering how I'll get down the stairs Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right, Here I am stuck in the middle with you.” —Jerry Rafferty / Joe Egan

Though there are quite a few different styles of immersive theatre (as interactive, “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” would be one example), that would be a very apt explanation of what immersive theatre is—at least in the case of Clown Bar 2 A World Premiere now playing at the Majestic Repertory Theatre.

This production, directed by Troy Heard, is fun the minute you push your way through the swinging saloon doors and enter the performance space. Petunia (Napsugar Hegedus), a saucy and sexy employee of the establishment, greets you to lead you to your assigned seat. The entirety is set with tables and chairs, and a tiny proscenium stage is placed opposite a bar with stools. Plastic flag streamers swag overhead. Paintings and mural posters cover the walls

Musty, played by Robert Ryan, is a hobo clown with a beautiful baritone to entertain with songs, such as “Clowns are Scary,” and jokes and puns until the action segues seamlessly into the play. Ryan makes a terrific MC and his character remains throughout the show. He never misses a beat.

Clown Bar 2 A World Premiere by Adam Szymkowicz is a noir comedic mystery taking over the storyline from “Clown Bar.” Here, it's a year later and the Clown Bar is in disrepair and Happy (Matthew Antonizick), the owner, has gone missing. Has he been offed by clown cowboy Brigham Bill (Venus Cobb) or was it an inside job? Two cops (Aaron Barry and Diana Martinez), who knew Happy when he was on the force, go undercover in the Clown Bar to find out what happened.

The antics never stop. Hegedus, Barry, and Martinez truly keep the momentum going. That is until Gabe Gentile and Cory Covell, as Billy Bill and Williamy Bill (respectively) enter the scene. Then things slow down and tend to drag a bit.

But not to worry. April Sauline as Popo cranks it all up again. Popo is mean and dangerous, and Sauline makes her larger than life and funny as she carries around an arrow with a colorful spinner where the feathers would be. All the better to distract you, my dear.

Every aspect of the production is perfectly detailed, from Steve Paladie’s excellent set to the expected seltzer bottle, the endless rope of kerchiefs, and Candice Wynants’ superb costumes. You won’t find Stephen King clowns here, but there are scenes that make this play restricted to those 18 and over.

Parking downtown in the Arts District is an absolute nightmare—which is great for local businesses. The area is hopping on Friday and Saturday nights. I encourage you to arrive early. Very early. Go have a bite to eat at one of the restaurants, have a drink at one of the nearby bars. It’s worth the extra effort because this production is serious fun.

What: Clown Bar 2 A World Premiere

When: Thursday to Saturday 8 p.m.; Sundays 7 p.m. through May 29

Where: Majestic Repertory Theatre, 1217 S. Main St.

Tickets: $35 (www.majesticrepertory.com)

Grade: **** (Delicious)

Producer: Majestic Repertory Theatre; Director: Troy Heard; Choreography: Kady Heard; Lighting Design: Marcus Randolph; Scenic Design: Steve Paladie; Costume Design: Candice Wynants; Sound Design: Cory Covell; Stage Manager: Apollo White