An independently produced staging of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” is bringing student-led theater into downtown Gainesville, marking the first official production of a newly formed nonprofit company founded by UF students.
The production, organized by Mountain Productions, operates outside traditional university and community theater structures. Students involved in the project are responsible for all aspects of the production, including licensing, fundraising, design and performance.
Mountain Productions was founded by 20-year-old UF musical theater junior Cooper LaMontagne following the success of an independently produced staging of “Spring Awakening” his freshman year. The show, produced before the company formally existed, sold out multiple performances and informed the decision to establish a nonprofit organization.
“Producer’s just a fancy word for just getting a bunch of really talented people in the same room together to work towards a single vision,” he said.
LaMontagne serves as co-director and producer of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” while also performing in the onstage band as Skzsp, the rhythm guitarist. The show incorporates a live band as part of the performance, reflecting the musical’s origins in underground venues.
Originally staged off-Broadway in 1998 and adapted into the 2001 film, “Hedwig” follows a genderqueer East German singer navigating identity and artistic ownership while pursuing a former partner who achieved fame using her music.
During development of the musical, Mountain Productions formalized its operations, securing 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and establishing a board of directors. Fundraising efforts included a sold-out cabaret concert at LaMontagne’s former high school, Satellite High School, raising about $4,500, as well as campus-based and online initiatives.
The musical will be staged at How Bazar, a downtown space known for hosting independent artists and community events. LaMontagne said the venue was selected after considering both financial constraints and artistic fit.
“This is our passion,” he said. “This is what inspires us every single day. ... Everyone really feels equally as passionate — everyone has stake in the game.”
The show is co-directed by 22-year-old UF musical theater senior Ethan Garrepy, who also serves as lead designer and portrays both Hedwig and Tommy. The production functions as Garrepy’s senior thesis.
In the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance program, students complete a “performance in lieu of thesis,” pairing a major role with a written analysis. Garrepy’s honors thesis expands that scope to include directing, design and production management.
Garrepy first proposed “Hedwig” after revisiting its music during a class project focused on rock musicals. Production planning began in March 2025, with casting, licensing and fundraising underway months before rehearsals began.
Garrepy said the independent structure of Mountain Productions reflects the group’s approach to building professional experience.
“This isn’t just a fun, silly little project,” he said. “We’re serious about this.”
Behind the scenes, stage manager Caroline McKinney, a 22-year-old UF graphic design senior, oversees rehearsal coordination and communication. She and Garrepy first worked together in high school theater in Winter Park, Florida, where she transitioned from performing into technical roles.
Her role includes organizing rehearsal schedules, tracking rehearsal timing and run-through progress and serving as a central point of contact as the production moves toward opening night.
“I think this is just one of the most collaborative spaces I’ve been in,” McKinney said. “These are the most driven people I’ve ever been in this space with.”
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch” will run Feb. 26 through Feb. 28 at How Bazar in downtown Gainesville. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets cost $20 and are available online.
Contact Aaliyah Evertz at aevertz@alligator.org. Follow her on X @aaliyahevertz1.
Aaliyah is a second-year journalism student in her second semester at the Alligator. She is the Avenue's spring 2026 entertainment reporter. In her free time, she enjoys reading and baking.
