Spring Awakening is back at the Balagan Theatre after a successful run in January. Set in late 19th-century Germany, Spring Awakening is a rock musical that follows a group of teenagers as they discover and explore their own sexuality.
Bryan Gula is perfectly cast in the role of Melchior, whose honest and intelligent atheism and frank refusal to view sex as immoral get him into trouble with the adults. Tori Gresham is absolutely lovely as Wendla, who falls victim to her mother’s stark refusal to discuss sex with her daughter. Jeanette d’Armand and Mark Waldstein play all of the adult characters. They are brilliant actors, transitioning well from parents to teachers to religious authorities, yet always keeping the focus on the teenagers.
The teenagers are, after all, the heart of this production. Confusion, passion, anger, and longing drive them to defy the conservative, out-of-touch (yet well-meaning) adults in their lives, and these emotions are reflected in the rock music and choreography. They confront weighty issues and suffer great tragedies, but this production also captures the exuberance and spontaneity of teenagers. Songs like “The Bitch of Living” and “Totally F**cked” give them the opportunity to express their angst in a way that only teenagers can, hanging on to the gravity of their situations while putting on a fun performance.
Director Eric Ankrim gives us a great show in the first locally produced version of this Tony Award-winning musical. The Balagan’s Spring Awakening is a passionate and heartbreaking window into the lives of these teenagers, who face issues that are, sadly, still relevant today. While it may not be quite as polished as a Broadway show, the Balagan’s production provides a sense of intimacy and exposes some fabulous local talent. This show deserves to be seen!
Spring Awakening plays April 20-22 and April 26-29 at the Erickson Theatre. Tickets are available at www.balagantheatre.org in-person at the box office.