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SPRING AWAKENING IS A WOW!
SPRING AWAKENING IS A WOW!
F. J. Hartland
Winner of the 2007 Tony Award for Best Musical, Spring Awakening will shock and amaze you. It is a WOW!
The musical has as its source the 1891 play by Franz Wedekind, but don’t expect some dated, dusty treatise. Wedekind’s work was often banned for it deals with sexuality in a modern and candid way.
So does the musical.
Spring Awakening tells the story of teenagers discovering their own sexualities…and the danger of withholding sexual education—all with a driving rock-n-roll beat. The powerful songs combined with frenetic choreography will make you feel like dancing in the aisles. The show pulsates with a youthful beat—spurred on by its high-energy cast. There is not a weak link in this chain. Whether singing, acting, dancing, playing the piano or moving the scenery, this group of performers will hypnotize you with their talent and charm.
On opening night, the understudy played the lead role of Melchoir. I believe it was Carnegie-Mellon student Perry Sherman. (Someone correct me if I misheard the pre-show announcement). He was nothing short of fantastic. Likewise Christy Altomare in the role of young Wendla has an amazing voice and a powerful presence.
Steffi D gives a moving performance as the free-spirited Ilse. Stealing the show, however, is Blake Bashoff as the troubled Moritz. With his spiky hair, gorgeous voice and boyish face, Bashoff will make you laugh and break your heart. Bashoff’s Act Two scene (and duet) with Steffi D is quite emotionally moving.
The set by Christine Jones looks like a combination gymnasium, museum and nightclub dance floor and allows the show to move from scene to scene with ease. (Also some audience members sit on the stage and serve as a kind of backdrop to the action). The lighting by Kevin Adams is breath-takingly spectacular (and won a Tony Award). Visually, Spring Awakening is as powerful as its young performers. The on stage orchestra is fantastic. Their vitality (along with that of conductor Jarred Stein) adds to the infectious energy of the show.
I loved Spring Awakening when I saw it on Broadway in 2007; I loved it again here in Pittsburgh last night.
WARNING: Don’t go expecting Oklahoma! Spring Awakening contains frank sexual content and adult language.
Spring Awakening continues through May 31 at Heinz Hall.