Neil Patrick Harris channels ‘Hedwig’ on stage when fans call out his name during performance

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Neil Patrick Harris knows that his character Hedwig speaks directly to the audience throughout his Broadway show, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” So he understands how things can sometimes get unruly.

That’s because he feels the character’s energy transfers itself into a dialogue with the audience, and sometimes people respond by calling out his name or making some comment.

Several times during previews, Harris has responded to fans calling out to him as “Neil,” and his replies are just what you’d expect from Hedwig, sometimes with sassy expletives.

The 40-year-old star feels it’s his responsibility to make sure that the person knows that this isn’t the kind of show where the stars banter with the audience.

The show opened Tuesday on Broadway.