theatre as it should be

On Friday night, the parents, godmother, and I headed out to see the most-awarded show of the season, SPRING AWAKENING. The show was phenomenal. With an unbelievably talented cast, SPRING AWAKENING tells the story of kids growing up in a very conservative time. With hormones running wild, they start asking questions, and aren't always satisfied with the answers. The kids in this show are unbelievably talented. (I think the oldest is something like 23 or 24.) What a break for them....little bastards. Jonathan Groff and John Gallagher, Jr. both shine. Lea Michele is also fabulous. I mean, they all are. Now, this is a very thematically-mature show. Dealing with things like sexual abuse, pregnancy, abortion, masturbation, physical violence - this isn't a kid-friendly show. However, it handles these themes with respect, and often humor. One detail that really struck me is that all of the adult roles (teachers, parents) were played by one female and one male actor. I loved the idea that the restrictions and denial were handled by one person....all of the authority figures melted into one. It was very powerful, and I think really strengthened the show. The music is rock all the way, and features some fab ones including "Totally F*cked", "The B*tch of Living", "The Dark I Know Well", and "The Word of Your Body". Based on a book that was written in 1891, the stage, costumes, and spoken word reflect this. However, when the music breaks through, cast members grab their hand mikes, and truly rock out.

This show is like nothing else on Broadway today. It challenges you. It makes you a little bit uncomfortable. (Show me one person who wouldn't feel slightly uncomfortable sitting next to their preacher father as a boy masturbates to the time of the music....just saying.) It makes you laugh. It makes you cry. And, it makes you think about the fact that teenagers today pretty much feel the same way.

Final thoughts: An unbelievable theatrical experience. A must-see that *should* take home the Tony for Best Musical.

photo credit: www.playbill.com