(OUTscene NW) Theater Re-view: Rising Star, Hoffer is Phenomenal as Hedwig!

Balagan

by MK Scott

Seattle has a Rising Star and even the people at LOGO know it. Jinkx Monsoon (the Talent of Jerick Hoffer) will be competing on season 5 of Rupaul's Drag race, but before the premiere, Hoffer wowed an Audience this past Thursday in Balagan Theater/STG Presents production of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" at Seattle's Moore Theater.

Hoffer has taken over the role in a new production after over a decade, when another rising star, Nick Garrison had first played the title role (Garrison last played Hedwig in a 2009 Chicago production).

Hoffer as Hedwig is Phenomenal and Multidimensional as he Plays multiple roles and his singing voice is pitch perfect going from Ballads to a Glam rock star.

Balagan

As Hedwig recounts her outrageous story (of her Botched SEX change) as the lead singer in a sleazy lounge act, she is backed by her compatriot, Yitzhak (Erin Stewart) and her rock-and-roll band, "The Angry Inch," featuring members of Seattle bands The Walkabouts, 1uppers, Zony Mash, and Swallow.

Hedwig is directed by Ian Bell, renowned local actor (recently reviewed in SRT's 'Inspecting Carol'), director, and creator of Seattle Confidential (ACT Central Heating Lab) and The Brown Derby Series (Re-bar). Bell spent 10 years as Artistic Director of theatre group Bald Faced Lie and four years as Producing Director for Re-bar.

Towards the end, Hoffer sheds the wig and dress and reveals his true self and resembles a red-headed, Shirtless Johnny Weir Type. 

Balagan

Hoffer is an amazing Actor and is truly believable as Hedwig, just as he is as Jinkx, Last year when I first saw, Jinkx I thought he was actually female! When Hedwig reveals herself as Hansel, it is like a completely new persona.

After the Immediate standing ovation curtain call, Hoffer, Stewart, and the Band performed an Encore of 'Ball Room Bitch' with audience members dancing in the Aisles. 

The show closes on January 27th, the day before the RDR Premiere. I am looking forward to seeing Hoffer showing his true self in a whole new arena, as we watch his star to explode even brighter.

Hedwig at the Moore Theater is a Must-see. Click Here for more Info.

Look for My interview of Hoffer coming soon.