The dark musical comes to life with a strong cast and excellent direction and choreography
Spring Awakening is not your run-of-the-mill Broadway musical. Often dark and at times menacing, it touches upon subject matter that is not necessarily suitable for all audiences. Based on the 1891 play of the same title written by Frank Wedekind, it is often graphic and brutal. However, even with the overwhelming darkness of the story, the musical adaptation can be a winning experience, and Phamaly Theatre Company has staged a first-class production currently playing at Parsons Theatre at Northglenn Arts.
Set in late 19th-century Germany, we are introduced to a group of teenagers suffering through the angst of adolescence. Feeling controlled by grown-ups, they secretly search for answers to many of the questions most teenagers struggle with. Not surprisingly, many of the questions have to do with sex.
At first, we are introduced to Wendla (Samantha Barrasso) who is simply curious about where babies come from. At the same time, we meet Melchior (Ryan Finn) caught defending his classmate and friend Moritz (Vin Ernst) in Latin class. Moritz is completely traumatized by puberty and unable to focus on the lesson at hand. The headmaster (Trenton Schindele) is unimpressed by Melchior stepping forward for his friend and orders the lessons to be turned in immediately — much to the chagrin of the students.
As time progresses, Wendla and Melchior meet in a secluded spot and eventually avail themselves of their strong desire for intimacy. In the meantime, Moritz has dropped out of school, having failed miserably, and is shunned by his own father (also Schindele). Eventually, Moritz meets an untimely ending with Melchior being accused of contributing to his death. Sent to reform school, Melchior vows to return to Wendla and help raise their child that she is now carrying. Fate steps in again, and Melchior returns to a cemetery plot that is marked with the name Wendla. But hope is not lost. Melchior, along with the entire cast and crew, finishes the performance in street clothes, thus signaling the end of their adolescence and ultimately their innocence.
The production is rich in musical numbers, with book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik. Some of the musical highlights include, “The Bitch of Living,” “Touch Me,” “The Guilty Ones” and “The Song of Purple Summer.”
The entire cast is first-rate. As Wendla, Samantha Barrasso captures both the innocence and curiosity conveyed by her character. Her singing voice is strong and expressive. As Melchior, Ryan Finn conveys a certain level of sophistication that is beyond his youthful years. Finn is an appealing addition to Phamaly Theatre Company. And as Moritz, Vin Ernst is filled with emotional highs and lows, eventually suffering a tragic early demise. All three actors are impressive additions to this production. Trenton Schindele and Kathleen Traylor, both playing multiple parts as the adults, deserve special mention for the various characters they are called upon to portray with a certain wickedness. The entire cast deserved the standing ovation received at the final curtain.
Director Ben Raanan has brought to life a musical drama that does not over-simplify or make excuses. The action is intense and believably conveyed without whitewashing any of the extreme moments in the script. All of the relationships among the main characters ring true to life.
The music director, Heather Iris Holt has the vocals in top form. All soloists have strong voices and when the ensemble sings, the auditorium is filled to the rafters. Choreographer Jari Majewski Price adds just the right amount of energetic dance moves to the musical numbers.
The physical production is exactly right given the mood being set by the story. The setting by Phil Cope borders on minimalist and melds beautifully with the intensity of the script. The lighting by Emily Maddox and costumes by Jami McNear are both spot-on.
I am always impressed by Phamaly Theatre Company productions. Having never seen Spring Awakening before, I am pleased to say that this production comes highly recommended.
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