In 2004, Celebration Theatre staged a landmark production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, hailed by the Los Angeles Times as a “powerhouse production.” The musical, a raw and poetic exploration of queer identity, gender, and self-actualization, resonated deeply with audiences — and with the artists who brought it to life.
Now, two decades later, Celebration Theatre reunites original cast members Wade McCollum, Trystan Reese, and Hilliard Guess for a virtual conversation reflecting on the legacy of Hedwig and the evolving role of queer theatre in reclaiming freedom. McCollum, a Broadway performer and Drama Desk nominee, is known for gender-expansive storytelling like Make Me Gorgeous!, while Reese, a gay trans man and renowned activist, uses narrative and education to advance trans visibility. Guess is an accomplished writer/producer (Amazon, SYFY) and hosts the hit Podcast series Screenwriter’s Rant Room.
Together, they’ll revisit the personal and cultural impact of Hedwig, sharing memories from the 2004 production and unpacking the musical’s ongoing relevance — especially in a world where the politics of gender and freedom remain fiercely contested.
This one-hour online kiki, hosted by Celebration Theatre’s Executive Director Chris Maikish, invites audiences to reflect on how queer performance can challenge, liberate, and transform.
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Wade McCollum, “Hedwig”
Drama Desk and Lortel-nominated Wade McCollum is an award-winning actor, composer, and writer whose career spans Broadway, London’s West End, television, and film. Known for his star turn in Ernest Shackleton Loves Me and Make Me Fabulous!, he has received the Elliot Norton Award, Garland Award, LA Drama Critics Circle Award, and more. As a composer and writer, McCollum’s critically acclaimed work has been seen on stages all over the country including The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Classic Stage Company, 59e59th Street Theater, Sonnet Repertory Theatre, Insight Out Theater Collective, and The Alchemy. A Queer, Cisgender man of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry, his work explores the intersection of art and science, informed by his studies in cognitive neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania. wadesong.com
Trystan Reese, “Yitzhak”
An accomplished storyteller and facilitator, Trystan Reese has been organizing with the trans community for nearly two decades. Trystan’s The Moth MainStage’s story has been featured on NPR and was included in The Moth’s 2024 anthology, A Point Of Beauty. His first book, How We Do Family, was released to critical acclaim in the summer of 2021, and his voice can be heard narrating the audiobook. Trystan puts his storytelling skills to use through his consulting firm, Collaborate Consulting, where he works with individuals, organizations, and communities interested in social justice. He is married to his partner Biff, and they live in Portland, Oregon, with their three kids: Riley, Sully, and Leo. They are very happy. trystanreese.com
Hilliard Guess, “Sgt. Luther Robinson”
Hilliard Guess is a writer, producer, and podcaster with credits spanning TV, film, and digital media. He has written for SYFY’s Deadly Class and executive produced the award-winning series Ticker. Currently EP of Amazon’s Cross: After Hours, he is known for elevating underdog stories across genres. Raised in East Palo Alto, Hilliard’s lived experience as a gay Black writer shapes his focus on diversity and redemption narratives. A longtime WGAW leader and podcast host (Screenwriters’ Rant Room), he is a prominent advocate for inclusive storytelling and recognized as one of the “Top 100 Indie Writers in the World.” @HilliardGuess @ScreenwritersRantRoom
Chris Maikish, Host
Chris is Executive Director of Celebration Theatre, where he has led cultural and programmatic reforms since 2019. Active in civic initiatives like the LA LGBTQ+ Arts & Culture Coalition, among others, Chris blends artistic and administrative expertise with advocacy for equity and sustainability. A veteran performer, he holds a Masters of Public Administration from USC Price, a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Northwestern, and is a proud gay dad. He invites you December 4-13 to experience Celebration’s Trans Lineage program for its world premiere of Rites of Passage in partnership with Greenway Arts Alliance. celebrationtheatre.org
This program is organized by Celebration Theatre as part of Circa: Queer Histories Festival 2025, presented by One Institute.
Since 1982, Celebration Theatre entertains, inspires, and empowers with innovative productions that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ experience.