Signature Theatre announces casting for its production of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Signature Theatre has recently announced the casting and creative team for the upcoming production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, set to take place at the ARK Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, from April 15 to June 22. The queer cult classic musical will be directed by Associate Artistic Director Ethan Heard, with Sawyer Smith (known for Steppenwolf’s Amadeus) starring as Hedwig and Vanessa (V) Sterling (from Arden Theatre Company’s Into the Woods) as Yitzhak. Christian Montgomery and Deema Turkomani will be understudies for the production.
Joining the cast will be Sam Carolla on drums, Marika Countouris on keys, Alec Green on guitar, and Joanna Smith on bass. Hedwig, created by John Cameron Mitchell and featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Trask, premiered on Broadway in 2014 with Neil Patrick Harris in the title role. Throughout its 507-performance run, various actors like Andrew Rannells, Michael C. Hall, Mitchell, Darren Criss, and Taye Diggs took on the iconic role before the production closed in 2015.
Mitchell, who originated the role in the Off-Broadway production at the Jane Street Theatre, received critical acclaim, including an Obie Award and Outer Critics Circle nomination. He also directed and starred in a film adaptation of Hedwig in 2001. Director Heard described the essence of Hedwig as being rooted in themes of rage, joy, grit, and glitter. In the current climate where LGBTQIA+ individuals are facing undue discrimination, the show serves as a form of resistance, promoting queer liberation and celebrating gender non-conforming performers and creatives.
The creative team behind the production includes choreographer Ashleigh King, music director Marika Countouris, scenic designer Richie Ouellette, costume designer Erik Teague, lighting designer K Rudolph, and sound designer Eric Norris. Additionally, wig and makeup designer Ali Pohanka, dialect coach Zach Campion, and illustrator Alex Kuhn contribute to the show’s overall vision. Casting for the production is managed by Jorge Acevedo alongside Geoff Josselson in New York, with Julia Singer serving as the stage manager.
The 2025 production of Hedwig at Signature Theatre coincides with WorldPride in D.C., emphasizing the show’s commitment to celebrating gender diversity, queer pride, and self-love. This revival aims to challenge societal norms and embody the spirit of defiance and individuality central to Hedwig’s character. For more information on the upcoming production, visit SigTheatre.org.