Spotlight: Original Cast Recording

Hedwig And The Angry Inch
PRODUCER: Brad Wood
Atlantic 83160
With "Hedwig And The Angry Inch" seemingly destined to follow "Rent" as a '90s-style Broadway sleeper hit, the timing for its cast album release couldn't be better. No matter what the fate of the musical is, the album stands on its own as both a collection of great rock songs and a bona fide opera, with elements of Iggy, Ziggy, "Tommy," and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Trask, lead vocals by "Hedwig" star John Cameron Mitchell, and outstanding musical backing by the show's house band, Cheater, the album flows effortlessly from stinging rockers to bluesy shufflers to pop ballads. Highlights include the folky "Sugar Daddy"; the Stooges-like theme track "Angry Inch"; the torchy "Wig In A Box," featuring vocals by Miriam Shor; and the gorgeous, touching "Wicked Little Town." A glorious collision of cabaret, glam rock, and musical theater with hit potential to boot.