Hedwig is one of my all time favorite soundtracks as well as movies. I first saw it about five years ago and I was instantly enamored. So when I recently found out that the stage version was playing locally I naturally bought two tickets before I even had a clue who I would invite and shook with excitement.
If it is your first time going to the American Theater Co you might be as surprised as I was on your approach. The theater itself is a tiny building on a mostly residential street – tucked just a few steps away from Lincoln Ave. It’s a cute building and out front were two very friendly volunteers or employees chatting with people and directing them where to go.
The entrance to the stage itself is on the side down a short alley. You’re instructed to knock three times to get in. We trailed in behind another group so the door was already open but I have a hunch that the three knocks is just cute joke 
Inside it is tiny though not at all cramped. Every chair is different, there is even a loveseat in the first row. Enough about the theater though let’s talk about the show!
The production was very impressive considering the size of the venue. They really had the place decked out. An elaborate warehouse-looking wall of window panes provided a backdrop upon which images and videos are projected. Nothing about the show seemed tiny, underdone, or low budget. It was like seeing a big broadway show in a 40 person theater.
The actor who played Hedwig was amazing. He seemed close enough to the movie to not upset folks like myself who went in only having seen that (and I suspect that is a fairly sizable portion of the audience) but strayed enough to keep it original. They used local references frequently throughout the show, mentioning Halsted St, Boystown, Lake Shore Drive, and other Chicago locations and references.
Long story short (yeah, long story short!) – you should absolutely make a point of checking out the show while it is playing in Chicago. They’ve extended the run through May 31 so there is plenty of time to get tickets!
