How Darren Criss Chose Who to Kiss as Hedwig | Playbill

Film & TV News How Darren Criss Chose Who to Kiss as Hedwig The Glee star and Elsie Fest founder talks Hedwig and the musical episode of The Flash on Conan.
Darren Criss Joan Marcus

Broadway star Darren Criss appeared on Conan March 14. A huge fan of the late-night host, Criss looked back on his time starring in the title role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Criss is convinced that he looks better as a woman: “Walking around in heels and makeup, I go, ‘God, I’ve never looked this good in my life.’” It also gave him a newfound respect for women. “My absolute respect and admiration of the ladies who have been rocking that war paint for the better half of most of civilization,” he said. “Walking around in heels is such a humbling experience for men.” Watch him talk about it here.

For those who don’t know—or who missed Neil Patrick Harris’ Tony performance involving Samuel L. Jackson—Hedwig plants a big kiss on an unknowing audience member. Criss explained to talk-show host Conan O’Brien how he would choose his target.

“If you’re familiar with the show, it’s a very rambunctious sort of crew; it’s got a large following of people who know what they’re getting into for the most part when they come see the show,” explained Criss. “I would tend to pick the people who I assumed didn’t know what was going on. I would try and target the most conservative-looking straight boys because that’s just more fun.” But, as it turns out, that backfired one night on Criss, watch here.

In the vein of recreating roles originated by NPH, Criss will play Music Meister in the upcoming musical crossover episode of The Flash and Supergirl, also starring Jeremy Jordan and Laura Benanti. “He’s a trickster that induces people into these alternate realities where there’s musical theatre numbers happening,” said Criss of his character, ”as you do when you’re trying to legitimize musical theatre in the TV space.” Criss shared more about the episode here.

The storyline for the March 21 musical episode, airing during The Flash’s usual time slot, will be set up at the end of the March 20 episode of Supergirl.

 
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