Awakenings

 photo by Joan Marcus

The Tony Award-winning musical “Spring Awakening,” directed by Michael Mayer and  based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play, transports rock ‘n’ roll into the world of Wedekind’s sexually confused and curious adolescents.  The anachronism created by the combination of Wedekind’s 19^th century setting and 20^th century rock music may seem strange at first, but “Spring Awakening” pulls it off effectively, with the tunes heightening the characters’ actions and emotions.  The musical’s plot surrounding youths Wendla Bergmann, Moritz Steiffel, and Melchior Gabor, and the angst, decisions, and consequences of their sexual awakenings, gives the musical ample material for drama, tragedy, and humor.             

From beginning to end,  “Spring Awakening” is an adrenaline rush with the actors belting out their numbers with the emotion and confidence of the lead singer of a rock ‘n’ roll group and the band projecting its riffs and beats through the theatre.  The actors and band form a cohesive unit that may remind some of a concert.  The musical’s bare stage hardly transforms during the performance, but any scenic or emotional shift is handled by the awe-inspiring lighting.  Lighting Designer Kevin Adams emphasizes the musical’s emotions by effectively matching the lighting to the action occurring onstage.  “Spring Awakening’s” anachronistic choice of rock ‘n’ roll music fits perfectly with the theme of youthful rebellion against an unresponsive and close-minded authority, in this case the parents and teachers, played with ironic effect by only two actors.  The entertaining trio of young actors portraying Wendla, Moritz, and Melchior, give the musical the enthusiasm needed to maintain its high level of energy.  Leah Michele gives Wendla the innocence and determined curiosity that define the character, while John Gallagher Jr., in a Tony Award-winning performance, plays the nervous and awkward Moritz with a constant ardor that evokes both sympathy and hilarity.  Jonathan Groff as Melchior has a commanding stage presence and performs well in his vocally and athletically demanding role.             

“Spring Awakening” succeeds in creating a captivating musical that has a provocative plot and hard-hitting, yet catchy music.  The acting along with the lighting further amplifies the musical’s impact.  “Spring Awakening” shows how  mixing a play from the 19^th century with music from the 20^th century can form something refreshingly new.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 18th, 2007 at 5:44 pm and is filed under