JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL Midnight Radio -The History of Hedwig-
NEWS
- 2025.5.21
- Special Guest Appearances Announced: Ataru Nakamura, Kenji Urai, and Koji Yamamoto to Join the Cast!
- 2025.5.21
- Setlist has been announced.
- 2025.5.1
- General ticket sales details.
- 2025.4.18
- We have updated our website.
- 2025.4.11
- We have updated our website.
- 2025.4.11
- The English version of our website is now available.
- 2025.4.4
- Our website is now live.
INTRODUCTION
Unraveling the history of Hedwig & the Angry Inch -
A Japan premiere of John Cameron Mitchell's original show!
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear Mitchell,
The musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch premiered off-Broadway in 1998 and became a long- running hit. In 2001, John Cameron Mitchell himself adapted it into a film, which won multiple awards, including the Audience Award and Best Director Award at the Sundance Film Festival. Both the stage production and the film sparked a worldwide phenomenon.
Furthermore, in 2014, the show made its Broadway revival debut, achieving the remarkable feat of winning four Tony Awards. During the 2015 run, Mitchell was also honored with a Special Tony Award for his outstanding contributions.
In Japan, the musical has been a popular production since its Japanese-language premiere in 2004, with numerous performances featuring various casts over the years.
This special show, JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL Midnight Radio -The History of Hedwig-, is a rare and intimate performance where John Cameron Mitchell - the creator of the legendary musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch - takes the stage with a live band to sing many of its iconic songs. As he performs, Mitchell will share behind-the-scenes stories and the origins of Hedwig, offering a look back at the remarkable journey of this beloved musical, which has captivated audiences for over 25 years. From the title song Midnight Radio to the fan-favorite The Origin of Love, this is a must-see event for any Hedwig fan - don’t miss the chance to experience these unforgettable musical numbers live!
ABOUT HEDWIG
Hedwig, a rock singer who is both a man and a woman - yet neither at the same time - underwent gender reassignment surgery in pursuit of love and freedom. However, due to a botched operation, she was left with an "Angry Inch," a physical remnant of her past.
This masterpiece tells the story of Hedwig as she navigates countless encounters and heartbreaks, constantly questioning her existence and crying out for love.
Hansel, a young boy, dreamed of escaping to the land of freedom-America-to become a rock star.
Born in communist East Germany, he was captivated from a young age by Plato's mesmerizing tale of "The Origin of Love," told to him by his mother. From then on, he longed to find his missing "other half." One day, fate led him to Luther, a gay American soldier. When Luther fell for Hansel, he offered him a way out-marriage. But to cross the border, Hansel had to undergo gender reassignment surgery. Tragically, the operation was botched, leaving behind the infamous "Angry Inch."
After officially changing her identity and taking the name Hedwig, she made it to America-only to be abandoned in divorce. Struggling to make ends meet, she worked as a babysitter while forming a rock band, but success remained elusive.
Then, she met Tommy, a 17-year-old aspiring rock star, and poured her love and mentorship into him. However, Tommy betrayed her, stealing her music and rising to the top of the Billboard charts as a rock sensation. Heartbroken, Hedwig led her band, The Angry Inch, in pursuit of Tommy, following his nationwide tour and performing in rundown venues near his sold-out stadium shows.
Will she ever reclaim her soul through her music? And will she finally find the "other half" -the love- she has been searching for all her life?
SETLIST
The full performance of all songs from the musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch has been announced!
- The Origin of Love
- Wicked Little Town
- Sugar Daddy
- Milford Lake
- Exquiste Corpse
- The Long Grift
- Wig In a Box
- Midnight Radio
- Tear Me Down
- Angry Inch
CAST&STAFF
John Cameron Mitchell
A versatile talent as a playwright, film director, and actor, John Cameron Mitchell was born in Texas, USA, in 1963. He was nominated for a Drama Desk Award in 1991 for his performance in the Broadway production The Secret Garden. In 1993, he won an Obie Award for The Destiny of Me, a play centered on the theme of AIDS, and was also nominated for a Drama Desk Award for the same work. The following year, he earned another Drama Desk nomination for Hello Again.
In 1998, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which premiered at the Jane Street Theatre, swept numerous awards, including the Obie Award, New York Magazine Award, Drama League Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award. Mitchell later adapted, directed, and starred in the film version, which gained international acclaim.
His other notable stage performances include Six Degrees of Separation and Big River, in which he portrayed Huckleberry Finn.
His film appearances include Miami Five (1986) and Book of Love (1990). As a filmmaker, his second directorial work, Shortbus (2006), explored themes of love and loneliness from a unique perspective. His third film, Rabbit Hole (2010), was an adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire’s work. Produced by and starring Nicole Kidman, the film depicted a couple’s emotional journey after the loss of their young son and received critical acclaim.
In 2017, he released his fourth film, How to Talk to Girls at Parties, further cementing his reputation as a bold and innovative storyteller.
Book & Direction:
John Cameron Mitchell
Music & Lyrics:
Stephen Trask
THE ANGRY INCH (BAND MEMBERS)
DURAN（GUITAR）
and more...
GUEST
Special Guest Appearances Announced:
Ataru Nakamura, Kenji Urai, and Koji Yamamoto
to Join the Cast!
Ataru Nakamura, who played the role of Yitzhak in the Japanese production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch in 2007 and again in the 2017 "Hedwig and the Angry Inch SPECIAL SHOW," will appear as a guest in the July 19th (Saturday) 1:00 PM performance.
Kenji Urai, who starred in the 2019 production, will guest star in the July 19th (Saturday) 6:00 PM performance.
Additionally, Koji Yamamoto, who passionately portrayed the role of Hedwig for three consecutive years in 2007, 2008, and 2009, will make a guest appearance in the Osaka shows on July 23rd (Wednesday) at both 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Ataru Nakamura
biography
Singer, Songwriter, and Actor
Born on June 28, 1985, in Tokyo, they debuted with the single “Dirty Underwear” in 2006.Upon the release of their second single “Tomodachi no Uta” (2006), they came out as transgender. They later performed at the 58th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Song Festival).
Their fourth album “Shonen Shoujo” (2010) won the Excellent Album Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards.
To date, they have released 11 singles and 9 albums. They are also active as the leader of their own choir, "Former Boys and Girls Choir."
Their latest work is the all-time best album “Myōrei” (2022). As a songwriter, they have written songs for AAA, STARDUST REVUE, Yo Hitoto, Hiromi Iwasaki, Naoko Ken, Aki Yashiro, Aya Sugimoto, Keiko Toda, and Shinobu Otake, among others.
They also compose for stage plays, TV dramas, and provide theme songs and background music.
As an Actor【Stage Performances】Yakai Vol.18/19 “Arcadia Under the Bridge” (2014/2016, written and directed by Miyuki Nakajima)Mercury Fur (2015, directed by Akira Shirai) Better Half (2015/2017, written and directed by Shoji Kokami) The Terrace of King Rai (2016, directed by Amon Miyamoto)Kayoukyoku: Taishi Nakagawa no Jō Henka (2022, written and directed by Yutaka Kuramochi) HEDWIG and the ANGRY INCH SPECIAL SHOW (2017, directed by Yoriko Jun)
【Television Dramas】Edogawa Rampo Short Story Series: The Murder Case of D-Slope (Episode 1 of 1925’s Kogoro Akechi) (2016, NHK BS Premium)Asadora (NHK morning drama) “Tora ni Tsubasa” (2024, NHK)
Kenji Urai
My respect for the soul of Hedwig is immeasurable, and every time I experience its incredible music, my heart naturally ignites with passion!
Through this work, I’ve been constantly reminded that to live is to embracesomething so rich, fleeting, and profoundly precious.
And now—to think that a future awaited where I would have the chance to work alongside the original John Cameron Mitchell himself-what an absolute honor!
Lift up your hands.
This is a show that embodies the universal human theme of living together.
Midnight Radio is a song that never fails to awaken the entertainer within me-and this show celebrates it with all its power.
I'm truly grateful for the chance to spend this extraordinary time with everyone!
biography
He made his debut in 2000 with the TV series Kamen Rider Kuuga (TV Asahi). In 2004, he was cast as Crown Prince Rudolf in the musical Elisabeth, marking the beginning of a prolific stage career spanning musicals and straight plays alike.
His performances have earned him numerous accolades, including the Yomiuri Theater Awards for Best Actor (22nd edition) and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s New Artist Award in the Drama Division (67th edition of the Arts Festival Awards).
In recent years, he has expanded his artistic activities beyond the stage, working as a narrator and hosting solo concerts and dinner shows.
He is scheduled to appear in A Tale of Two Cities (May–July) and Aru Otoko (A Man, August).
Koji Yamamoto
I feel a deep connection and great joy to be reuniting with John Cameron Mitchell for the first time in 17 years since 2008. I'm honored to be invited as a special guest to perform songs from Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and at the same time, I feel a sense of nostalgia that brings back memories of those days. I'm truly looking forward to sharing this rare opportunity to once again experience the unique world John creates-with all of you!
biography
He began his career in the entertainment industry at an early age and made his stage debut in the musical Les Misérables in 1987. Since then, he has been active across a wide range of media, including stage, film, and television. On stage, he has appeared in productions such as RENT (1998, 1999), Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2007, 2008, 2009), Memphis (2015, 2017), and RENT JAPAN TOUR 2024 (2024), earning high praise for his solid acting and vocal abilities. In 2015, he was awarded the Yomiuri Theater Award for Best Actor (23rd edition).
Starting in July, he is scheduled to appear in the concert tour Furukawa Iwao × Koji Yamamoto DANDYISM BANQUET 3 alongside violinist Iwao Furukawa.
MOVIE
SCHEDULE&TICKETS
TOKYO
July 19 (Sat) - 21 (Mon, Holiday), 2025
Ataru Nakamura（July 19th (Saturday) 1:00 PM）
Kenji Urai（July 19th (Saturday) 6:00 PM）
OSAKA
July 23 (Wed) 2025
NHK Osaka Hall
Koji Yamamoto
TICKETS
Tokyo
- S
- ¥12,000
- A
- ¥9,000
- tax included
- All seats reserved
- Live music, performed in English with Japanese subtitles
Osaka
- S
- ¥12,000
- A
- ¥9,000
- B
- ¥6,000
- tax included
- All seats reserved
- Live music, performed in English with Japanese subtitles
Important Notices
- Doors open 45 minutes before the show starts.
- Children below school age are not allowed entry.
- No cancellations, changes, or refunds after ticket purchase.
- Wheelchair users must contact Sunrise Information (0570-00-3337) in advance after purchasing tickets. Please note that wheelchair spaces are limited, and you may be required to watch the performance from your purchased seat.
- Refunds will only be issued in the event of a performance cancellation.
General Sales
Starts on May 31 (Sat) at 10:00
※The general ticket sales date has been changed.
Ticket Agencies
Tokyo
-
TELEASA TICKET
-
TICKET PIA
Seven-Eleven Stores "Multi-copy Machines"
(P code：533-539) -
E-PLUS
FamilyMart Stores "Multi-copy Machines"
-
LAWSON TICKET
L code：32814
Lawson and MiniStop Stores "Loppi" -
TOKYU THEATER Orb
Osaka
-
TICKET PIA
P code：533-539
Seven-Eleven Stores "Multi-copy Machines" -
E-PLUS
FamilyMart Stores "Multi-copy Machines"
-
LAWSON TICKET
L code：53478
Lawson and MiniStop Stores "Loppi"
ACCESS
TOKYO
〒150-8510 Shibuya 2-21-1, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
OSAKA
NHK Osaka Hall
〒540-8501Otemae 4-1-20, Chuo-ku, Osaka
CONTACT
Sunrise Information
0570-00-3337
（Weekdays 12:00～15:00）
Presented & Produced by: Midnight Radio Production Committee
Hedwig is a sensational work for me. To put it briefly, it’s one of the pieces that helped me clarify my own sexuality.
In 2007, I played Yitzhak with a gender-neutral interpretation. In 2017, I focused on portraying him as a male drag queen. And now, in 2025, John himself unravels the history of Hedwig. I believe that audiences today are more capable of receiving the messages embedded in Hedwig with broader insight than when the film was first released.
I also think they’ll be newly reminded of the brilliance of the music, which breaks down all kinds of boundaries and reconstructs them. I’m truly looking forward to it.