Carolyn Waugh - Hedgehog

I am the only super who has ever filled the Hedgehog role in San Francisco, so I consider this part a signature role. In fact, as I type this, I glance at the hedgehog paperweight sitting on my desk. I don't know why, but I feel an affinity for a creature that I have never actually seen in real life.

Wearing the costume and performing the part is a challenge. Because I'm on all fours and the face mask provides only a very small portion of see-through mesh, I can only see about two feet ahead of me and a few more above the surface of the stage. Therefore, while I'm waiting in the wings for my cue, I adopt a Zen-like attitude and focus on my position spikes onstage.

Once in front of the audience, though, I find myself emoting in response to the libretto, in spite of being almost completely hidden. I am entranced by the flute, look downcast when Tamino mourns the loss of Pamina, and then search for her in vain. My Big Moment is when I confront the salamander and raise my quills. This usually gets a laugh, often a big laugh, and that makes the aching knees and visual impairment all worthwhile.

The Sound
and the Furry

Read the tales straight from the beasts' mouths:

Mike Harvey
Giraffe / Dragon

Priscilla Lore
Griffin

Yvette Rosedale
Griffin Cover

Jaye Hepburn
Salamander

Carolyn Waugh
Hedgehog

Lisa Gelling
Other Cover

Jeremy Joseph
Bear

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