"Hetrick-Martin Institute has always been a part of Hedwig's DNA and I'm thrilled HMI is able to join Hedwig on her journey to Broadway," producer David Binder said in a statement. "Our cast, creative team, and my fellow producers have been overwhelming in their support of this initiative benefiting this inspiring and incredibly important organization."
The Broadway premiere of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, starring Neil Patrick Harris, will donate a portion of the price from each Broadway ticket sold to Hetrick-Martin Institute, the nation's oldest and largest organization helping gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth to reach their full potential.
HMI is the home of Harvey Milk High School, a New York City public transfer school where some of the city's most at-risk youth can learn without the threat of physical violence and emotional harm they faced in a traditional educational environment.
The partnership will also utilize the resources of the production, including representatives from the show meeting with young people in an educational and mentoring capacity, and additional fundraising support.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Hetrick-Martin Institute began their relationship in 2003 with the tribute album "Wig In A Box: Songs From and Inspired by Hedwig and The Angry Inch," which benefited Hetrick-Martin. It was followed by 2006's "Follow My Voice," a documentary film on the HMI School and the making of the "Wig in a Box" album. Additional aspects of the initiative will be announced at a future date. "HMI is deeply grateful to Neil Patrick Harris and the entire Hedwig and the Angry Inch production team for partnering with HMI to help us provide life-changing programs to LGBTQ youth. Hedwig's message of being proud of who you are resonates deeply with the thousands of youth we serve each year," Hetrick-Martin Institute CEO Thomas Krever said in a statement.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch will begin previews March 29 at the Belasco, prior to an official opening April 22. The musical will continue through Aug. 17.
Hedwig features a book by John Cameron Mitchell and music and lyrics by Stephen Trask. The landmark 1998 musical will star Harris as the titular Hedwig, a transgender singer fronting a fictional rock-n-roll band. Lena Hall, who recently starred as Nicola in Broadway's Tony-winning musical Kinky Boots and is also the lead singer of rock band The Deafening, will co-star with Harris as Yitzhak.
Hedwig is directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, American Idiot) with musical staging by Emmy Award nominee Spencer Liff (The Wedding Singer, Cry-Baby). Justin Craig is musical director.
The Hedwig creative team includes scenic designer Julian Crouch, costume designer Arianne Phillips, lighting designer Kevin Adams, hair and makeup designer Mike Potter, sound designer Timothy O'Heir, musical supervisor Ethan Popp, projection designer Benjamin Pearcy and vocal supervisor Liz Caplan. Casting is by James Calleri.
Adams and Potter were both part of the original 1998 Off-Broadway creative team of Hedwig. Sound designer O'Heir worked on the 2001 film adaptation.
Members of the Angry Inch will include musical director Craig (guitar and keyboards), Matt Duncan (bass), Tim Mislock (guitar) and Peter Yanowitz (drums).
Harris has performed on Broadway in Assassins and in the New York Philharmonic production of Company. He has been honored with four Emmy Awards: three for his acclaimed hosting of the Tony Awards and another for his guest-starring role on "Glee." He also served as host and producer of the 61st and 65th Primetime Emmy Awards.
The dramatic musical comedy began Off Off-Broadway at Westbeth and then ran over two years at the Jane Street Theatre beginning in February 1998. Hedwig and the Angry Inch won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical, and both John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask won Obies. Hedwig and the Angry Inch won a 1998 New York Magazine Award and Entertainment Weekly's "Soundtrack of the Year" Award.
Binder, who first produced Hedwig in 1997, is producing the musical on Broadway with Jayne Baron Sherman, Barbara Whitman, Latitude Link, Patrick Catullo, Raise The Roof, Paula Marie Black, Colin Callender, Ruth Hendel, Sharon Karmazin, Martian Entertainment, Eric Schnall and The Shubert Organization. 101 Productions, Ltd are the executive producers.
Belasco Theatre Box Office is located at 111 West 44th Street. Tickets are also available by calling (212) 239-6200 or visiting Telecharge.com.
For more information, visit HedwigBroadway.com.
