Wigging Out! Five Videos of John Cameron Mitchell in Hedwig You Must See Before He Comes to Broadway

Have you heard the news? Hedwig and the Angry Inch creator John Cameron Mitchell is stepping back into the wig and heels for the first time in 15 years! He’ll be playing the transgender East German rock goddess for a limited engagement on Broadway, and something tells us he’s still got the pipes and the moves to bring down the house at the Belasco Theatre. Before he succeeds Michael C. Hall as Hedwig on January 21, 2015, we’ve got five must-see videos of Mitchell as Hedwig from the off-Broadway run, the stellar 2001 movie adaptation (which he also directed) and concert and TV appearances. So grab your late afternoon constitutional of grain alcohol and Brita and let’s get started!


“Tear Me Down”
Off-Broadway production, 1998
In the off-Broadway production of Hedwig at the Jane Street Theatre, John Cameron Mitchell didn’t use any fancy harnesses or strings to get onstage—just a patriotic cape and some Elton John sunglasses! Plus, check out the great Hedwig/Yitzhak sing-off at 4:38.


“Origin of Love”
The Rosie O’Donnell Show, 1998
Hedwig quickly became an off-Broadway hit, gaining national attention when Mitchell and the band appeared on The Rosie O'Donnell Show. Even though the sound is pretty terrible (hey, it was 1998!) this clip is one for the Hedwig history books.


“Wig in a Box”
Film adaptation, 2001
There are lots of amazing moments in the cult hit movie, but “Wig in a Box,” featuring Hedwig’s transformation from “midnight checkout queen” to “punk rock star of stage and screen,” takes the cake. Check out the inspiration for the Hedwig’s “hair dress” in the current Broadway production at 3:35!


“Wicked Little Town”
The Rosie O’Donnell Show, 2001
Rosie was obviously a huge fan of Hedwig, because she had JCM on her show not once, but twice! This time, Mitchell sings a tender rendition of “Wicked Little Town” out of drag, accompanied by composer Stephen Trask.


“Midnight Radio”
Squeezebox, 2008
Wondering if Mitchell's still got the pipes to play Hedwig? After watching this clip of him singing "Midnight Radio" at Squeezebox, the original birthplace of Hedwig, your answer is sure to be a resounding yes. Here’s to Patti and Tina and Yoko, Aretha, and Nona and Nico and JCM!