John Cameron Mitchell reflects on "Hedwig and the Angry Inch"

John Cameron Mitchell joins Jian to reflect on the long-running hit musical "Hedwig and the Angry Inch". The award-winning production, which most recently starred Neil Patrick Harris as Hedwig, tells the story of a transgender rock star from East Berlin.
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[@ZonaShue]

His whole demeanor is captivating, so calm, and brilliant. We really all can relate to Hedwig in our own way.

[@Frensis26]

His voice is so soothing

[@AdamLeite]

I loved Hedwig. Laughed, cried, and wondered.

[@perfumaphilia3246]

"This is the first generation that's been told that maybe things aren't going to get better."

[@impatientgodot728]

This is one of my favorite musicals, and as a transman it always hits me so so hard. John is marvelous in his writing, and his performance in the movie (I obviously didn't have the chance to see him on broadway) is so fantastic... Genius work.

[@jameskane7662]

When he was in the original production it was staged at the "Saint Ann Hotel" in the ballroom. I actually got to see it there. hence all the references to "the Titanic" that's the hotel where any and all survivors were brought to.

[@jeffblack8457]

@@jameskane7662 It was the Jane Street Theater at the Riverview Hotel ("you can really view the river"), which was once American Seamen's Friend Society Sailors' Home and Institute, where survivors of he Titanic were brought; this was mentioned in the show, and there weren't many "Titanic references" other than mentioning that fact. I saw the original production dozens of times. The Broadway production didn't mention the Titanic at all. Instead of the Titanic, it briefly referenced some productions that played the Belasco theater, and the Broadway set was supposed to be left over from the (fictional) "The Hurt Locker: The Musical"

[@AmberAmber]

@MackTalks 💗💗💗💗

[@SunnyBear]

He is 51!? Still looks great. :) I really enjoyed this, a very intelligent and down to earth conversation!

[@Chocokaylarobin]

Sunny Bear 51!!??! 😨😨😨

[@monkeyrules4648]

Sunny Bear 51?? My dads younger and he looks older.... sad.

[@grendelum]

I was surprised by his age as well... it just goes to show that the more free and open and honest you are with yourself will be reflected in your appearance... really excellent interview !!!

[@gazepskotzs4]

It must be genetics , I m 48 and most people think I m 35ish I did everything in life that s unhealthy...

[@ali58457]

Twinks don't get old

[@gpeddino]

"I feel classic!" John is so awesome.

[@brianmortenson4212]

To me, the film has a magic about it that reminds me of the way "The Big Lebowski" has touched so many people, myself included. Even though the plots and characters are quite different, they're both about wonderful weirdos on a strange journey with so many powerful and compelling scenes. We all fall in love with this movie and it's easy to see why. This is not only my favorite musical, but one of my favorite movies ever.

[@kirstyfairley1585]

Wow John Cameron Mitchell has aged really well, seems like a really nice guy too & for someone in their 50s is still a great performer. As a fan of Hedwig & The Angry Inch I remember being pleasantly surprised when I found out he'd directed Rabbit Hole, it was so different from Hedwig that I would never have thought that Rabbit Hole & Hedwig were made by same guy.

[@ladylala0251]

"I'd be afraid to do what he did" and then he does it. JCM you're my favorite

[@klodgy]

I flew to New York, from Alaska, to see this show as headlined by NPH. I was not disappointed one bit.

[@m1cro215]

I remember sharing this movie with people when it first came out. It was my everything...and still is. Brilliant interview. thanks Jian as always beautiful interview.

[@kimbreleymora699]

I fell in love with EVERYTHING about Hedwig and The Angry Inch the first time I saw it! I learned all the lyrics to all the songs, and watched it over and over again, many times. Hedwig made you love HIM, while feeling hate for HER simultaneously. By the end, you realized that Hedwig had begun to feel like a lifelong friend, who was just as fragile and vulnerable as we all are underneath! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mhbassnyc]

I saw John in Hedwig two nights ago, and he was amazing. He still has 'it'.

[@morkygorky]

Can't wait to hear more from this talented, intelligent and all-round wonderful man! :-D

[@sarys73]

Wow finally a good interview with Cam. Most times they as the most lame questions and they focus solely one Hedwig but this, this is really good. Very good. I am so glad I came across this. Ty so much for sharing

[@SkyeID]

When I saw the 1998 production of Hedwig with John Cameron Mitchell in the lead (which I found in its entirety on KZbin!) I fell in love! It is my absolute favorite musical! I've seen it at least 20 times!

[@joduree]

He seems like a brilliant mind.

[@meganalvarado2388]

*everybody chanting * SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL!

[@SethHannan93]

Love that Mitchell mentions Hedwig likely not selling in Peoria when they first produced it. Corn Stock Theatre in Peoria, IL did the show in February 2013...raves and sold out. LOVE!

[@juliajane9290]

Seth Hannan I’m from Peoria too! Miss Corn Stock!

[@bjrgaa9020]

He's so sweet and cute

[@lancesteel1475]

I also hate seeing people texting and taking selfies during performances, I call it "metaliving", to be there primarily to show one was there as opposed to actually living in the moment.

[@davidjebb1805]

Great term- 'metaliving'. I'm adopting it! :)

[@danlc95]

Perfect definotion!

[@thelostronin]

Read as "metal-living" instead 😝🤘 but still appreciate!

[@dannybotz99]

Saw it 17 times at the Jane st theater ! John is legend and Michael cervesis crushed it as well !! Fav of all time

[@Emy-fv5ny]

Viktor Nikiforov?Oh my God!!!

[@serixirose7575]

Yes I just found out victor is based on him

[@thelump8519]

Hell

[@idespiseguugleplus6511]

GREAT interview ! it seems like you both enjoyed it equally ! that's the best kind of interview :)

[@disarmmagazine3445]

"I would run off with the MacGyver money and get a wig" Brilliant. JCM is so damn special and interesting. Love him.

[@BearInterrupted]

Saw him perform last night in Melbourne Australia and he is still just as mind blowing ... He crowd surfed in a theatre auditorium - #PunkRock

[@VeronicaStraightLingo]

Fabulous interview, kudos!

[@candywelcher3528]

Im in love with him. Hes brilliant captivating. Acting is beyond incredible. His voice, subtle nuances, movements all of it.

[@osiris_blanche]

He's so talented. No, GIFTED. :) I'm SO HAPPY this line received the attention it SO WELL deserved. I *LOVED* this movie since it came out. Linked it to just about anyone I knew. Congrats John Mitchell!

[@Cricriiii]

osiris Blanche He's very very sensitive, which could mean gifted. But with the perfection of his vocals and the truth in his playing, I bet he worked his art a billion hours. Don't lose hope, they're humans :D

[@katheriner10]

Great interview, both from John and the interviewer :)

[@demonicsweaters]

great interview, he's a true pleasure to hear speak his mind

[@nostalgicjourney90]

Victor!

[@cheyennesamara1564]

Shyandawesome my bby😍 Victor😍

[@CheyenneZeamer]

Shyandawesome YESSSS

[@litttleredpanda1497]

Shyandawesome Vitya :3

[@user-tx7we1gf3g]

Shyandawesome awww.... si :3

[@juliamatos1487]

EU VIM AQUI SÓ POR ISSO 😂😂😂😍😍😍❤️

[@feloniousbutterfly]

Great interview!

[@goddessmodel]

I remember this in high school I was so inspired by his movie

[@chrisrineatkinson6709]

Greatest movie ever. I could watch it 1000 times and not get sick of it

[@papaflowers5726]

Asmr voice. Also i cried when i saw him in the sandman. I recognized the voice immediately. I loved HATAI so much.

[@gabyintlv]

WAIT.... WHAT? SEQUEL?????

[@TigerPrawn_]

I flipped out when I heard him say that!

[@ronia8135]

I don’t think it’s out yet

[@brookebosse8878]

He seems so nice

[@dcy123]

He always seems honest.

[@jordoncarnegie1206]

He is! Met and hung out with him. It was incredible

[@Greygower]

No mention of Stephen Trask?

[@Puffytosser]

I caught the "white noise comment" as I was simultaneously working on my Hedwig poster design. Bravo to you, John! Bravo.

[@bassfishingwiththeantichri2921]

Music transcends boundaries and teaches us empathy. That's why "The Man" is trying to kill it.

[@nikolaibaas2776]

His Hedwig made me more about universial Love than any sermon I heard...

[@TigerPrawn_]

So many wise words ♥

[@solsdadio]

His impersonation of his mum was uncannily accurate.🦊

[@carolrivera752]

Where is the sequel?!!

[@learamone3562]

Víctor, no mames!

[@jensenmccue494]

Hell hath no fury.. Such a loss, Ghomeshi use the 50 shades way from now on. GREAT interview.

[@oliviap.a.m4071]

VIKTOOOOR!!! LMAO 💖

[@brittniebelcher3341]

His smile 😍

[@eustochia3763]

이렇게라도 존 카메론 미첼의 인터뷰를 볼 수 있다니, 감사할 따름이네요 ^^ 이 양반, 천재에요!!! 그렇죠? 여러분? ^^ 사랑을 보내며~ ^^

[@ofthedarknessthemoonlight5412]

An endlessly beautiful man, in every way that matters and some that don't.

[@jackiele5019]

I wish there will be a day we can see Hedwig 2.

[@hannoverfist5628]

From your biggest hetero fan.......Johns hedwig....can never be equaled......such a perfect convergence of towering musical score and the perfect leading actor .... if a sequel ever goes to film....it would be a god damn crime for anyone else to play the role

[@b-radg916]

@Hannoverfist: Agreed... STERRRRRRNN!!!

[@drumduder]

No, that’s me.

[@oxinak7774]

VICTOR!!!!!!!!!! I feel like a majority of people came from the YOI fandom I'm not to blame I'm one of them

[@klistarf]

What a riveting interview! Clearly a talented guy... \m/ (:o)

[@lilacstudio3243]

We were born to make history

[@tomalcolm]

I thought Jian was permanently memory holed. Glad to find this.

[@mariacarrasco4549]

He's awesome

[@lancesteel1475]

A sequel to Hedwig!

[@jekaaai]

OmG THaT's ViKToR IRL!!!!😍😍😍😍

[@juliamatos1487]

AAAAAA É O VIKTOR EM PESSOA, ISSO É MUUUUITO MANEEEEIRO ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😍 MUITO ABALADA

[@gxre3705]

😂😂😂😂 IM HERE FOR YURI ON ICE TO

[@isthisgary]

I want to know more about hanging out with Doogie at the stroke bus

[@jorrrrdynnnn]

I almost thought I'd imagined him saying stroke bus so thanks for confirming what I heard

[@vinita860]

John mithcell looks like a character from yuri on ice

[@melidhobi4071]

Yess

[@styleissubstance]

I love how they talk about media outrage towards queerness and immigrants

[@styleissubstance]

As well as the talk on masculinity and becoming whole.

[@camipco]

I am doing something else while I listen to this.

[@andybroberg7946]

+Jamie Browning Riehl oO

[@NataliLeyla]

Victor :V

[@NotOurJimmy]

incredible

[@SmartArtzz]

love him loved the movie

[@futabaamamiya1165]

I love you Vitya 💖

[@alejandranava9089]

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!VIKKTOOORRRRR!!!!!!!!!😍😍😍😻👌

[@Tekillakkkkk]

Victor!!! Is you?

[@carlop7792]

viktor nikifrov ?

[@Crystalgirlist]

i can't believe he is 51

[@hannahgears5694]

“What is this? This is what I have to work with. Do I fit in here? Alright I’m going to make the best of this. And then I’m going to trust someone and they’re going to destroy me and then I’m either going to die or I’m going to absorb them and not experience and create something more whole.”

[@awwsumr0cketz]

OMG SEQUEL!?

[@dcy123]

Sequel?

[@ofthedarknessthemoonlight5412]

I just have to add that clearly I should have been moisturizing. At 51, he looks 14. And sounds a wise 80.

[@alejandranava9089]

viktor nikiforov human version

[@brookeschlosser2472]

God I love him.

[@indieelite]

What a creepy background years later when Q means an entirely different thing.

[@iflystory]

Adore JCM*

[@monkeyrules4648]

I thought I was the only one who came here for Victor nikiforov until I saw the comments section...😂 AGGHHHH!!!!!! I LOVE THIS, ITS LIKE SEENG A REAL LIFE VICTOR!!!!!! Except no offense, but I think Victor is more.... idk, positive? Happy? Loud??

[@amie7148]

Viola Park maybe that’s because, this isn’t “Viktor” and you shouldn’t expect a real life person to act like one of your stupid characters because their appearances are similar

[@sahiba9951]

no he is exactly like viktor personality wise too

[@hanakom5055]

iTS VIKTOR *screams *

[@sssspnl8699]

Hmm.. I got a Déjà-vu

[@cortedemico]

don't worry. i proselytize. i also disagree with most of your deeply held beliefs, but you made a thing of beauty.

[@LandonAdam]

SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL!

[@abby_x]

¡Victor! :'vv♥

[@UrNotaClown.UrTheEntireCircus]

Wtf Viktor is that you

[@IzumiInouemaestro]

❤️

[@endowolf6750]

Viktuuri! 😻👌🏻🙀

[@kiarasantiago462]

shut up. I know you came here for viktor. dont lie!

[@ethanwolfie8375]

kiara santiago tbh

[@monkeyrules4648]

kiara santiago I DID AND I AINT ASHAMED!!!!!

[@Liam-ru8uw]

kiara santiago no

[@naylo7301]

vitya haha

[@juliamatos1487]

YESSSS! 😍❤️💕😂

[@tdk0bob]

I'm sorry how are you gonna just drop "mortality concentrates the mind" like it's not an amazing piece of prose. Damm dude.

[@rhemerisus]

Everyone watched for Victor, lol.

[@user-tx7we1gf3g]

yo solo vengo por Víctor ۵۵

[@CheyenneZeamer]

VKUSNO!!!!

[@kpop_dorama4335]

ВИКТООООР ТВОЮ МААААТЬ ВЕРНИСЬ В РОССИЮЮЮЮ ОБРАТНОООО!!!!!!!!