Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The Tony-Award winning Hedwig and the Angry Inch has been produced and hailed all over the world in hundreds of stage productions. But it has never been performed in Mexico… until now. Broadway licensing has granted performance rights to bring this iconic show to The Palm Cabaret & Bar this May.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a rock musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Trask and written by John Cameron Mitchell. The musical follows Hedwig Robinson, a genderqueer East German singer of a fictional rock and roll band, The Angry Inch.
The concept of the stage production is that the audience is watching Hedwig’s small concert, as she follows rockstar Tommy Gnosis’ (much more successful) tour around the country. Gnosis is recovering from an incident that nearly ruined his career, having crashed his car into a school bus while high and receiving oral sex from none other than Hedwig! Capitalizing on her notoriety from the incident, Hedwig determines to tell the audience her touching (yet often hilarious) story by performing shows in nearby small venues.
She is aided and hindered by her assistant, back-up singer and husband, Yitzhak, a Jewish-Latino drag queen who has been banished from wearing dresses and wigs ever again by Hedwig, out of pure jealousy.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch has had many incarnations from off-Broadway in 1998, to the now cult-classic movie in 2001, to Broadway in 2014, and a US tour in 2016. It won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical for its 2016 production.
Taking on the challenging role of Hedwig, is none other than Jordon Carnegie who has performed this role in two separate productions, the last one being 10 years ago. Carnegie is known locally for having an Elvis show at The Palm Cabaret for the last two seasons, so they will be in awe of his versatility as a performer. “People are going to be beyond shocked to see Jordon in drag, with a German accent, taking them through a range of emotions during the show including a ton of laughter. You won’t even recognize him,” says husband and co-producer Richard Carnegie.
Yitzhak will be played by Yoalli Guerrero, (of the popular cover band “The Lovers”) with other local musicians forming “The Angry Inch” live band. “She is not only vocally perfect for the role, but her acting talent is top-notch as well. She is going to knock it out of the park!” said Jordon.
In 2013, Carnegie was nominated for a regional Broadway World award for Best Leading Actor for a production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. This new production shares the same Director, Andrew Williams. This show’s Music Director is local favorite Jack Aaronson, of Garbo Piano Bar.
In 2018, Jordon had the pleasure of doing the makeup application on the creator and original Hedwig, John Cameron Mitchell, on his US tour called The Origin of Love. “It was such a huge honor and dream come true. This show and character meant so much to me growing up, and here I was as his makeup artist!” Carnegie will also be wearing the iconic wig crafted by hand by original hair/make-up designer, Mike Potter. “It’s an original, shipped straight from New York. The other wigs are going to be created by yours truly,” Jordon added.
“If you love amazing music, you’re going to love this. If you love comedy, you’re going to love this. If you love drag queens, gender-fluidity, and breaking away from binary norms, you’re going to love this. Actually…if you have ears and eyes, you’re going to love this,” says Jordon. “Well, if you’re a narrow-minded bigot, stay home…you’re going to HATE this,” added Richard.
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” debuted on Thursday, May 2nd. There are 3 more performances scheduled at The Palm Cabaret, on Thursdays, May 9th & 16th, and Monday, May 27th, at 7:30 pm. Based on the opening night reviews, this is a must-see show!
“Tonight at The Palm Cabaret and Bar, Gabe Arciniega and I, and about 100 others, saw the opening of the rock musical ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ starring Jordon Carnegie. What a tremendous theatrical accomplishment for everyone involved! Jordon was absolutely spectacular! He was onstage for 2 hours talking and singing nonstop. There was a live band that was wonderful. And the gal playing Yitzhak, Yoalli Guerrero Ortiz, was breathtaking in both her acting and singing! There are only 2 more shows left so hope you can see it! (And no photos or videos were allowed to be taken during the production)” – Sharon Gerber Scherer
“Holy Hedwig!! What a remarkable performance by all of this cast and musicians. Jordon Carnegie and Yoalli Guerrero Ortiz were fascinating to watch. Non stop energy for 90 minutes. I was a little confused at the beginning but this all paid off to the tremendous second half. And spectacular ending. I highly recommend.” – Cassandra Shaw
“Last night Mike & I had the privilege of being at the opening of Hedwig and the Angry Inch – Puerto Vallarta. I’ve been trying to formulate what this excellent performance stirred up in me. The setting was East Germany back before the ‘Wall’ came down in November, 1989. Suffice it to say, that there are many parallels to my life in this story (except I’m heterosexual). But, knowing East Germany well & having been behind the ‘Wall’ 5x visiting immediate family still living there before it came down, I could relate deeply with those times. Jordon Carnegie did an outstanding job of telling the story. The dialogue needed to be learned & then presented to engage an audience for 90 minutes, is no easy task. The band, Hugo Ramos, Jared Garcia, Zorro Villa & Angel Balcazar, were fabulous!! Yoalli Guerrero played his “servant” & her performance & vocals were outstanding! A truly unique experience for The Palm Cabaret and Bar. I would have loved more music but, alas, the play had to come to an end after 90 minutes. Bravo! No photos or videos were allowed.” – Tricia Lyman
For tickets, visit ThePalmCabaret.com. For up-to-date information, and sneak peek videos, follow the Facebook Event Page
The Palm Cabaret and Bar is located at 508 Olas Altas in the heart of the Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone. Tickets can be purchased at the venue’s box office, which is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm, or online at ThePalmCabaret.com.
For more information call 322-222-0200, visit their website, or follow The Palm Cabaret and Bar PVR on Facebook.