Spring Awakening

"SPELLBINDING...
with a melodic score that fuses ethereal pop and irreverent punk, the show is a giant leap forward for the rock musical. 'Spring Awakening' makes a powerful claim on the heart." - Washington Post

"BRAVE, HAUNTING & ELECTRIFYING...
'Spring Awakening' restores the mystery and the thrill to that shattering transformation that stirs in all of our souls. This gutsy new musical has a shivery sensual allure unmatched by anything in the theater right now." - New York Times

I am still haunted by the score every morning when I wake up and each night when I go to bed. It could be because I have been listening to the soundtrack non-stop but it could also be because the music attached to this interesting and way-out-there play is just enough different to my ears to continually leave me guessing and wanting more.

Anyway just for those who haven't seen the play, 'Spring Awakening' is based on a play written in 1891 in Germany. It was banned at the time from actually going public. Duncan Sheik composed the music to accompany the story from 1891 and Steven Sater wrote the lyrics. It is a typical coming of age story where teenagers are beginning to feel desire and become aware of the opposite sex.

While I found some scenes to be very awkward, I know that in some people's minds they are key to the story because they expose us to the raw emotions and experiences that are typical in the transition into adulthood. Regardless of that, however, the style of the play was absolutely unlike any other I have seen. Made up of a young cast except for a woman and a man who play all adult figures throughout the play, it is in typical rock style with jumping, head banging and all over invigorating dancing. The main characters when they begin to sing a solo will pull a mic out from behind their back or in their jacket pocket and immediately you are transported out of the 1890s era and into present day where the issues and emotions transcend time.

I asked Dustin as we left the show what he felt was the take-home. We talked as we walked and couldn't come to much of an answer but that issues that each of us have faced at one point or another should be spoken about out loud. I wasn't satisfied with this. Just a few days before I had seen 'Dead Poets Society' for the first time, and in the same way, was challenged by how to react. The things that have bugged me the most since seeing the show are the parents and teachers reactions to the youth. I justified it that it was in a different time, in the 1800s parents could be more strict and society undervalued and disrespected people under the age of 18. I don't think that the lessons learned from this show only apply to parents in the 1800s. We should realize that talking to our kids is the best way to ensure their safety and their success in life. Ignoring the fact that your child is getting older doesn't make them stop aging it just causes them to find out answers from other sources where the information is usually wrong or misguided. What I am talking about, just in case I need to clarify, is sex, sexual orientation, abuse and the ability and responsibility to speak up for what is right. Parents shouldn't be friends to their children but I don't think they should shy away from being honest and open about the transition into adulthood even though it may be awkward and uncomfortable. Parents shouldn't use their approval or love as a manipulating tool but instead should really listen and really try to understand what their child is going through and help them in every way possible. I might just be overreacting because both 'Spring Awakening' and 'Dead Poets Society' end with the death of a youth that could have been prevented if the parent cared less about their status in society and more about the anguish of the child. Oh well, I'll revisit this in 20 years when I have teenagers and just can't stand them :) Maybe my review will be different.