Looks like nothing, including a Tony Award, will make Neil Patrick Harris extend his run at 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch'! Andrew Rannells is slated to take the title role, Hedwig, this coming August 20. Neil Patrick Harris takes his last bow on August 17. While this casting news is a surprise, it's no shocker as Andrew Rannells has a ton of talent and a growing fanbase!

Andrew Rannells' career boost was back in 2011 when he was Tony nominated for his role in 'Book of Mormon' as Elder Price. The hit musical went on to win 9 Tony Awards including Best Musical that year. Although Andrew Rannells didn't get the award, the nomination plus his amazing performance catapulted him into fame. He is now one of the principles for the popular show 'Girls' and have ventured into movies like 'Bachelorette'.

But why is Neil Patrick Harris departing 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' so soon after his Tony award? Well it looks like he was contracted to perform only through August 17, but he was given the choice to extend, if he so chose to. But he didn't and one of the speculated reasons is that the 8-show per week schedule became too intense for the Hollywood star. At age 40, the musical, which basically is a one-man show, can be taxing to take on every night (and sometimes, two shows a week!).

Now Andrew Rannells, who got his fame truly through Broadway, is stepping up to fill the titular role this coming fall. Some critics have been saying that there is no 'Hedwig' show without Neil Patrick Harris. Well, it looks there there will be!

'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' is about a East German transgender rock performer who recounts her life during a concert. She traces her life story from the moment she got a botched sex-change operation to follow an American soldier out of East Germany, only to have him abandon her a year into the marriage. The current revival was directed by Michael Mayer, starring Lena Hall as Hedwig's husband, Yitzhak with Justin Craig  on the guitar, keyboards, Matt Duncan on the bass, Tim Mislock on the guitar and Peter Yanowitz on the drums. The band members also all provide vocals.

Get your tickets now to catch Andrew Rannells back on Broadway for 'Hedwig'!