Performer Euan Morton is known for his acting, singing and voiceover work. His role as Boy George in the musical Taboo put him on the map. For that production he received many nominations including the Laurence Olivier Award, Drama Desk Award, Theatre World Award, and a Tony Award.
Off-Broadway he appeared in Brundibar and the musical Caligula: An Ancient Glam Epic. He earned an Obie Award for Measure For Pleasure at The Public Theater.
In the touring company of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, he embodies the title character. This genderqueer rockstar takes the audience on a journey of growing up in East Berlin and experiencing a botched sex-reassignment surgery, hence the term "angry inch."
Windy City Times: Where in the world are you right now?
Euan Morton: We are in Detroit. This is the first week. We have two.
WCT: Haven't you been on tour since November?
EM: I started rehearsing in early November, but took over the role on Nov. 29 in San Diego.
WCT: Did you study theater in Scotland?
EM: I moved to London to go to drama school when I was 17. I stayed there for nine years working in theater. I did a little bit of television, then was in Taboo, which was the Boy George musical in London. I ended up coming over here with the show and have been here ever since. I'm a U.S. citizen now, living in New York.
WCT: What is your favorite memory of Taboo?
EM: There are so many. I was in it for almost three years. I think the most unique thing was playing this iconic role with the iconic person himself. He was there playing a different role. I got to spend a lot of time with George. That was pretty impressive.
WCT: You must know him better than anybody.
EM: Well, I wouldn't say that, but I do know many of the aspects of George. He's a good man and very smart.
WCT: How do you make Hedwig your own character?
EM: I think it would be folly to make it different. With each person she becomes different. It is not that I am different being new. It is just that she is different when anyone inhabits her.
For me I am able to let go a lot in this role. She has given me a sense of freedom onstage that I have never had before.
WCT: So you are a straight man who played gay in the past and, now, almost trans?
EM: I wouldn't label myself any sexuality and I would prefer if you didn't. If I call myself straight then it turns into me being straight, or gay makes me gay, or transgender then transgender.
I think what Hedwig does is transcend those labels. I think if we will ever have civil rights in this country we need to transcend labels, Black, white, gay, or straight. All that continues to do is separate us.
WCT: Do you have a favorite song to perform from Hedwig?
EM: "Origin of Love" because for me that is the encapsulation of the entire story in one song, or I would say at the end when she comes to a conclusion that suits herself with "Wicked Little Town," which is Tommy's apology and goes into "Midnight Radio."
WCT: How is the cast?
EM: It is the same band that did it on Broadway. They are hot stuff!
Hannah Corneau plays Yitzhak. She is the most amazing actress I have ever worked with. She is just brilliant. She is very down to earth and good in the role. The audience just loves her every single night.
I love coming to work. This family is an amazing family and I love them.
WCT: What would you tell people who haven't seen Hedwig yet?
EM: That it is freakin' awesome and they should come!
Get tickets at Oriental Theatre through March 19. Tickets can be found at BroadwayInChicago.com .
