I'm not sure how to even write this post. I'm still in a post Spring Awakening haze. The show was so amazing, so beautiful, so well done, that I'm not sure I have, or can, fully process it just yet. I can't believe it's taken me this long to see this show. I've listened to the soundtrack repeatedly since it was released, but without actually seeing the show it's difficult to fully comprehend.
Ok, so the the basic story is this. One hundred years ago or so Frank Wedekind wrote a shocking play called Spring Awakening. The play was banned due to explicit portrays of sexuality, suicide, abortion... with a side of masturbation and radicalism! Now, about 100 years later it's been turned into a Broadway musical! Yes, a musical, but this ain't your grandma's Auntie Mame. This is an in-your-face, punk-folk-rock juggernaut. This is a musical on steroids. I don't mean big sets and costumes, both quite minimal. I mean this is a rock musical done right.
The story is simple, beautiful and chilling. In short, a bunch of kids are becoming adults and confusion, innocence, death and love all play major roles. I won't bore you with the synopsis. The performances are super stylized with very cool choreography by Bill T. Jones, yet very true. The staging is part concert-style, part theatre. The script is funny and heart-breaking and the music by Duncan Sheik pure perfection. Just go see this show!
One thing to note though. I think this show might have lost some of the impact because it's in such a large house (Durham Performing Arts Center). I was stilling on the first floor just 20 or so rows back, but I never felt completely swept up in the music and emotion... Almost, but not quite. That's not to saw that the show isn't amazing. It is, but I think it does lose some power in such a large space. My friends who say it in New York have described a more intimate experience. That's why I'm hoping there are still stage seats available. Yes, there's a trend in theatre these days to have people sitting on stage. I'm not sure what it adds to the performance, but I think it would be great to watch the show that close to the action.
Regardless, this is a show that cannot, must not be missed. It's only here at the Durham Performing Arts Center through Sunday, March 7th and I figure it's probably selling well, so get your tickets now! You will not be disappointed. Oh, I was also thrilled to see a featured performer in the show is a student at Elon University right here in NC and two other performers are from my alma mater Emerson College in Boston!
I'm planning on seeing the show again, so I might have more to say, especially if I can snag a seat on stage...
Stay tuned!
Ok, so the the basic story is this. One hundred years ago or so Frank Wedekind wrote a shocking play called Spring Awakening. The play was banned due to explicit portrays of sexuality, suicide, abortion... with a side of masturbation and radicalism! Now, about 100 years later it's been turned into a Broadway musical! Yes, a musical, but this ain't your grandma's Auntie Mame. This is an in-your-face, punk-folk-rock juggernaut. This is a musical on steroids. I don't mean big sets and costumes, both quite minimal. I mean this is a rock musical done right.
One thing to note though. I think this show might have lost some of the impact because it's in such a large house (Durham Performing Arts Center). I was stilling on the first floor just 20 or so rows back, but I never felt completely swept up in the music and emotion... Almost, but not quite. That's not to saw that the show isn't amazing. It is, but I think it does lose some power in such a large space. My friends who say it in New York have described a more intimate experience. That's why I'm hoping there are still stage seats available. Yes, there's a trend in theatre these days to have people sitting on stage. I'm not sure what it adds to the performance, but I think it would be great to watch the show that close to the action.
Regardless, this is a show that cannot, must not be missed. It's only here at the Durham Performing Arts Center through Sunday, March 7th and I figure it's probably selling well, so get your tickets now! You will not be disappointed. Oh, I was also thrilled to see a featured performer in the show is a student at Elon University right here in NC and two other performers are from my alma mater Emerson College in Boston!
I'm planning on seeing the show again, so I might have more to say, especially if I can snag a seat on stage...
Stay tuned!
Thanks so much, Shane. We linked to this post on the official touring blog: http://totallytrucked.blogspot.com/2010/03/spring-awakening-in-durham-nc.html
Had a great time in Durham. Thanks for helping to spread the word!
Pun
Posted by: Pun | March 12, 2010 at 10:50 AM
Awesome Pun!! Thanks so much! I see the quote, but no linkage... :( Post the link if you get a chance!! :) Thanks for everything you do and keeping up your AWESOME blog!! Best, Shane
Posted by: Shane Hudson | March 12, 2010 at 11:37 AM