I had read a lot of bad things about this, but I actually enjoyed it. I am a big Spring Awakening fan and have read the original play, and seen the musical. The way the story flowed was interesting taking plot elements from the original play and the musical and adding in things I don't recall in either. Never the less it was a fresh perspective on this archaic yet somehow modern story. I found the nudity a bit gratuitous, but I guess that was just an artistic choice. I also didn't understand why it was necessary to change the names of the characters, I found it distracting. The acting isn't wonderful, but I must say I enjoyed the characters of Michael/Melchior and Matthew/Moritz, I wish I could see more from these talented young men. At times Anne/Wendla's acting seemed odd for the time period it is supposed to be, although the time and place are left open to interpretation in this case. And I felt Miriam/Ilse was a bit over the top with not much substance. However, Frank Wedekind's writing is very interesting and beautiful, with a unique story and human characters. It amazes me how in both this production and the musical, this story needs no frills. No smoke and mirrors to distract from the language and story. I found the minimal set quite satisfactory. I agree with the first poster about the clarinet, annoying and distracting. I liked this more than I thought I would, it is strange in a good way. I would suggest anyone not familiar with the story read the play or see the musical. But Spring Awakening fans who enter with an open mind should enjoy it thoroughly!
Review of The Awakening of Spring
