By John LaBarbera
What do you get when you cross a German play that’s been banned for 70 years with the music of Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater? Pure magic.
Spring Awakening, which premiered last year Off-Broadway with the Atlantic Theatre Company, is based off of the controversial play by Frank Wedekind. It centers around teens discovering themselves and, more importantly, their sexuality; it fittingly stars a young vibrant cast that shines through the whole show.
It’s difficult to put into words how amazing this show is. The teen angst of the characters, especially Moritz (The multi-talented John Galagher, JR) and sexual discovery of Melchior and Wendla (Jonathon Groff and the beautiful Lea Michele) speak to today’s generation despite being set in 1891 Germany.
In most musicals, the songs are sung to or at people and come seemingly out of the blue. But in Spring Awakening, the pieces are used as inner monologues of characters. This way, we are allowed insight into their private thought. The choice to use hand-held microphones during the numbers simply adds to the genius by not disguising the musical aspect of the story.
For those who are not fans of musical theatre, this show is a gift from above. It is best to think of the show as though the best songs on the alternative rock charts have been incorporated into a fiery piece of theatre. Two of the best songs in the show have titles that would make censors cringe: “The Bitch of Living” and “Totally Fucked” are genuinely terrific.
The curtain never rises, nor does it ever fall. The stage is set up so eloquently, complete with neon lights, a full band and, for about $32, maybe even you! That’s right, audience members have the opportunity to sit on stage and be a part of all the exciting action.
It is difficult to stop talking about Spring Awakening as it will blow you away. Never has a show been so raw and emotional. One minute, you’ll be crying my eyes out, the next, rolling in the aisles with laughter! Fans who are immediately enthralled with the production (and you will be) will start counting down the days till the original cast recording is released on December 12th.
Spring Awakening erupts with youthful passion and is sure to become an instant favorite when it opens December 10th at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre at 230 West 49th Street on Broadway.
GRADE: A+
