Interviews

After a Year and a Tony Award, Lena Hall Says Goodbye to Yitzhak and Hedwig

Four Hedwigs and countless quick changes later, Hall departs the production on April 4.

Lena Hall had a great year in 2014. Not only did she get to play her dream role — beleaguered roadie husband Yitzhak in John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask's Hedwig and the Angry Inch — she received a Tony Award for her performance on top of it. After 370 performances and four different Hedwigs (Neil Patrick Harris, Andrew Rannells, Michael C. Hall, and Mitchell himself), Hall is getting ready to pack up her dressing room at the Belasco Theatre, leaving the show and her Yitzhak on April 4. She shared with us some final thoughts on the part that changed her life and what she's learned from the experience.

Lena Hall as Yitzhak, with her four Hedwigs: Neil Patrick Harris, Andrew Rannells, Michael C. Hall, and John Cameron Mitchell.
Lena Hall as Yitzhak, with her four Hedwigs: Neil Patrick Harris, Andrew Rannells, Michael C. Hall, and John Cameron Mitchell.
(© Joan Marcus)

You've said Yitzhak was your dream role. Was it everything you wanted it to be?
Yes, and more. He has become a part of me at this point. I am extremely sad to leave the production but my body needs a rest from the constant physical stress that this role entails. At times I think maybe I've gone too far but then I remember what happened in June [when Hall won the Tony] and say to myself…nah, keep pushing your physical boundaries.

How did you get into character?
I learned a little Croatian, I studied men and how they walked, talked, moved, lifted, everything physical. How they dealt with arguments, being put down and being bullied and emotional situations. Facial expressions or lack thereof. A lot went into my Yitzhak and never stopped. I am constantly growing this character all the way up to my final show.

Lena Hall and the band Tits of Clay perform "Midnight Radio" at the end of Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Belasco Theatre.
Lena Hall and the band Tits of Clay perform "Midnight Radio" at the end of Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Belasco Theatre.
(© David Gordon)

What's the most important thing for future Yitzhaks to remember?
He's a man, first and foremost. He's in love with Hedwig, so while the relationship may be strained and difficult, there is still a softness towards her. A deep love. My Yitzhak is very sad, but hopeful. But I think you (as in the person playing him) should come up with your own take on him. He's very open to interpretation.

What did you wish you knew (that you didn't know) going in?
I tore a tendon in my left elbow and right wrist from the constant lifting of heavy props, mic stands and such (you can't lift like a girl so you gotta commit to lifting those things like they aren't heavy). I would have listened to my body sooner so I didn't have to wear wrist braces on both my left and right arm. I also didn't know the tambourine was such a dangerous instrument.

What is the hardest part of the quick-change you have at the end of the show?
I put makeup and eyelashes on in thirty seconds in the dark so I end up hoping that my makeup looks somewhat decent.

Which Hedwig was the best kisser?
Yitzhak doesn't kiss and tell. 😉

Lena Hall with her 2014 Tony Award for her performance in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Lena Hall with her 2014 Tony Award for her performance in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
(© David Gordon)

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