Spring Awakening is a show that will leave you wondering what the hell you just saw. In a good way.
Hell, I cried and was mildly aroused before the first act ended.
A note of caution: this play is definitely for mature audiences. Take the song billed “Totally Fucked,” for example…
The musical is set in nineteenth century Germany and tells the story of teeneagers coming to terms with their sexuality in a less-than-open sexual culture. The setting may be in the past, but the alt-rock, slang and profanity filled score of Duncan Sheik (of 90s one hit wonder “Barely Breathing” fame) score is nothing short of modern; the characters transition between these two seemingly incompatible time frames by brandishing hand-held microphones for the twenty-first century soundtrack.
Primary characters in the play include Wendla, a sweet church-going girl who’s curiosity may be her downfall, Moritz (of stupid television show Lost fame), a physically confused geek, and Melchoir, an upstanding student whose sexual prowess and Atheist mind cause quite a stir among his peers.
The multiple adult characters in the show are portrayed by a single man and woman duo. This interesting concept plays out beautifully by the talented actor and actress who are given the task of being multiple characters back-to-back at some points in the play.
The show’s got a very serious side to it – multiple characters suffer through moral conflicts and suicidal thoughts.
The erotic, comic and tragic combination seen throughout this play is quite the thrilling journey for audience members. However, I can’t shake the feeling that this might be a show by theatre people for theatre people – if Chicago and Phantom of the Opera are the peak of your interest in theatre, you may want to do some more research before you buy your tickets. However, if Rent is more your style, or if you just appreciate a skillfully crafted, passionately performed show, I’d definitely check this one out.
Playing at the Palace Theatre til February 8th.
