Falling for Hedwig. East Bloc Drag Rock Comes to Jax.

[Metro Jacksonville]

Falling for Hedwig.  East Bloc Drag Rock Comes to Jax.



April Hutchinson, widely regarded as one of the brighter quirkier talents of this city is no stranger to this Website, and is an active producing member of Jacksonville's theatre culturati.

With a baker's dozen of original shows and work under her belt, she joins us here at Metrojacksonville to create an ongoing conversation about the least celebrated art form in the city:  Theatre.

Join April as she opens a discussion on Hedwig and its upcoming production downtown.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-sep-falling-for-hedwig-east-bloc-drag-rock-comes-to-jax

[aprilhutchinson]

I hope they can pull it off.  I really do.  I think Hedwig is a particularly ambitious production to attempt but I applaud ambition so long as it also delivers.

The band has to be amazing.  The major component of the show that trumps every other component is the music.  The musicians are also called on to be almost actors in the context of this show and though they may have no actual speaking roles, the energy of the ensemble needs to shine.  

There are no major marketing efforts that I'm aware of.  I haven't seen flyers, posters, or even the ever popular event invitation floating around in cyberspace or actual space.  I hope there is a solid plan for advertising because many people might give the show a try, so long as they know about it.  Also no word on ticket prices yet.  I know the venue is partial to rolling dice at the door to determine how much tickets will be, so that could be the plan.     

I'm rooting for Hedwig so let's hope loose ends don't keep The Sinclair's potential audience away.

[mtraininjax]

April, you rock! So does Randa/Danda! She is, of course, your biggest fan. One day, we will find a cool place for you and the gang to hang out without all the BS that goes on at the current venue.

[aprilhutchinson]

No BS at current venue.  Edge of Sketch and The Sinclair had an amicable split.  They are a great venue perched to present some fresh nightlife options to the citizens of Jacksonville.  Edge of Sketch just needed a little more time to retool and The Sinclair had cooler things coming down the pipe as well.

Thank you for your support but I can only say good things about our personal experience performing at The Sinclair.  All artistic relationships are challenging, that's the nature of the beast.  We put on three amazingly well received shows.  The gang at The Sinclair will do you right, drink or chat, day or night.  Edge of Sketch, the comedy that loves you back, will return after a few short messages from our sponsor.   

[aprilhutchinson]

Update.  Fifteen dollars at the door.  Just called and that was the response form the other end of the line.  Fifteen bucks.   I'm more than a little surprised. 

Our group performed there and it was explained to us that the dice rolling was the signature stamp of The Sinclair.  Additionally, it was mentioned in the write up in FTU by Laura Capitano (August I believe). 

We wanted to charge a set price at the door as the dice rolling seemed, for our purposes, ridiculous.  We were repeatedly reminded how this dice roll was extremely important to the owners of The Sinclair.  It proved difficult to promote a show where no set ticket price could be given.  We never ran into that problem with any of our other forty plus shows.  Still, we agreed.  Apparently, these signature touches of the venue only apply to outsiders, not shows featuring owners.  Hm.  Interesting. 

[aprilhutchinson]

Stephen, regarding other events in the city, I am on it.  Right now Players by the Sea is performing a fresh take on Pippin.  You can find tickets by visiting playersbythesea.org or calling the box office 904.249.0289.

Find more information here:

http://playersbythesea.org/onstage/?p=338

The buzz on this show is quite good.  The cast features local favorites, fun and flashy costumes, and and of course, great music.  This is the last weekend so if you need to get your musical fix, no time better than the present.   

[hooplady]

I love Hedwig!  The song about the two halves of each other always makes me cry.  Helluva production to take on.  Kudos for even attempting it.

[hooplady]

^^I knew I could trick you into doing the search for me, stephen.   Thanks.

[aprilhutchinson]

Agreed.  Mystery indeed.  I did not attend this weekend.  I'll be there next weekend.  Where are the posters?  Flyers?  Anyone seen any indication of Hedwig in Jacksonville?  Maybe the show is so exclusive, they don't want anyone to show up.  Kidding.  I just don't understand.  There's elusive that incites interest and there's elusive that's make you say, "huh?" 

So...huh?

[aprilhutchinson]

Great!  I simply can't wait to see what they have done with this show. 

[DavidWilliams]

Drag shows aren't my thing...but to each his (er her) own. 

[aprilhutchinson]

I understand, but this is a far cry from a drag show.  I can see where that comes across, but it is a whole different tale.