John Cameron Mitchell’s genre-defying podcast musical
John Cameron Mitchell’s “Anthem: Homunculus”
In the late ’90s, John Cameron Mitchell rocked the theater world with the punk musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” In the years since, he’s directed a movie adaptation of the show and starred in a Tony Award-winning revival on Broadway. And now, he’s created a new genre-defying piece of theater. This time, in the form of a podcast.
“Anthem: Homunculus” is a collaboration between Mitchell and composer Bryan Weller. It tells the story of Ceann — a man hosting an online telethon to raise money for his cancer treatment. The 10-episode, five-hour saga features over 30 original songs, and an impressive list of Broadway and Hollywood stars: Patti LuPone, Glenn Close and Marion Cotillard, to name a few.
Mitchell originally conceived the show as a sequel to “Hedwig,” but found that his own life history was at the heart of the story. “The whole thing is kind of an alternative autobiography,” he says. “It’s what I might be like if I hadn’t left my small town.”
John Cameron Mitchell, along with special guest musicians, will perform songs from “Anthem: Homunculus” at New York University’s Skirball Center on June 22.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!