They say never meet your heroes, but what if meeting them involved crowd-surfing? That’s the thought that raced through my mind on February 8th, as I helped hoist John Cameron Mitchell above the adoring crowd, carrying him through the orchestra on a sea of hands belonging to Hedwig and the Angry Inch devotees. We were all there to revel in the warmth of The Origin of Love, a unique concert event, a punk-rock, live episode of Behind the Music, and a heartfelt gift to every Hedwig fan in the house. This wasn’t just a concert; it was A Night Of Love Concert, a celebration of music, stories, and connection.
John Cameron Mitchell performing on stage during The Origin of Love concert tour, wearing a black, white, gray, and red costume, and Hedwig's iconic wig, surrounded by a cheering audience.
This evening of songs, stories, and playful banter marked the inaugural stop of a national tour, and the DC audience was treated to a uniquely personal experience. Mitchell, who once called Falls Church home and had family ties to Bethesda, even pointed out cousins in the crowd. Adding local jokes riffing on Melania Trump from Hedwig, the concert felt less like a tour stop and more like a bespoke performance crafted just for us.
Mitchell, accompanied by members of his original Broadway band and the incredibly talented Amber Martin, sported a striking black, white, gray, and red ensemble that magically transformed into six distinct looks throughout the night. He also donned Hedwig’s legendary wig, this time in a subtle light gray or white, a knowing wink to his decades-long embodiment of the iconic East German rock ‘n’ roll heroine.
As Mitchell delved into beloved tracks from the Hedwig songbook—including anthems like “The Origin of Love,” “Sugar Daddy,” “Wig in a Box,” and “Wicked Little Town”—he wove in personal anecdotes and intriguing trivia, enriching each song with context and depth. From the serendipitous airplane meeting with co-Hedwig creator Stephen Trask, to his early, slightly over-prepared foray into a downtown punk rock drag club as Hedwig, he unveiled fascinating layers of lore behind one of the most cherished cult musicals ever created. The poignant tale of “The Long Grift,” originally performed with Stephen on the lawn of a rehab clinic where Stephen’s bass player and John’s lover, Jack, sought sobriety, resonated deeply, leaving few dry eyes in the venue.
Ever the captivating and dynamic performer, Mitchell held the audience spellbound throughout the evening, even during moments he playfully dubbed “more punk rock than Broadway.” Yes, there were forgotten lyrics in a couple of songs, and “Sugar Daddy” required a complete restart (though a guest speculated the seamless band and lighting reset hinted at a planned, rather than spontaneous, do-over). And yes, a stubborn mic stand refused to stand upright. But none of it mattered. If anything, these humanizing moments only deepened the audience’s connection to Mitchell, making him even more relatable and endearing during this night of love concert.
The night extended beyond Hedwig, giving Martin her own spotlight to shine. She delivered a powerful David Bowie cover and a soulful solo rendition of “Bermuda” from Mitchell’s 2017 film, How to Talk to Girls at Parties—another moment that tugged at the heartstrings. For the encore, Mitchell offered a sneak peek into his new musical project, Anthem, a sprawling six-hour epic set to debut as a podcast, boasting an all-star cast including Glenn Close, Patty Lupone, and Cynthia Erivo.
The Origin of Love was unequivocally a love letter to Hedwig and John Cameron Mitchell’s Valentine’s gift to his devoted fans, arriving just before the holiday of love. Leaving the theater, surrounded by a crowd radiating such palpable joy and affection, mere blocks from the White House, was an unforgettable experience, one I would eagerly embrace again and again. This night of love concert was more than just a performance; it was a shared experience of joy, connection, and pure love for music and storytelling.
The Origin of Love performance was a one-night-only event: Friday, February 8, 2019.
The Origin of Love: The Songs and Stories of Hedwig. Featuring John Cameron Mitchell and the songs of Stephen Trask. Reviewed by John Bavoso.
