Haven't seen Spring Awakening since Groff and Michelle left, and I'm going to be in NYC next week briefly and was contemplating revisiting the show, but I'm also going to be in NYC at the end of the month.
So I'm curious, SA fans, should I see it with Kyle Riabko before he leaves or just wait for Hunter Parrish to debut?
I've heard very mixed things about Riabko's performance...the biggest peeve being that he performs Melchior too mean...but I've also heard he's much better suited for the role than Groff was.
So what do you think? Should I stay or should I go? How did you like Riabko?
It's a moot point now, but I thought Riabko was trying so incredibly hard to be Groff. His performance really left no impression on me. The real one to watch was Alexandra Socha. She played Wendla more like a little girl, which is how she should be played, IMO. I understand that I'm in the minority for liking her, but that's just my opinion.
You're not alone in liking Alexandra, GlindatheGood. I prefer her Wendla to Lea's. Wendla is, after all, only 14. She has a very innocent voice and a very innocent way of acting. I think it's perfect for the role.
On topic: I've heard very few good things about Kyle. I have heard some good things, but the majority isn't. I'm eagerly awaiting Hunter's arrival. I love him on "Weeds."
Wow, really? That's strange since Matt D. actually has a role now. Did Matt S. already leave? I'm kind of out of the loop on S.A. as of late thanks to college stuff.
Gah- just saw the show! I'm mad I missed Matt Doyle. I really enjoy him in the show, and I would love to see his Melchior.
Riabko was a strong Mechior, and definitely not Groff like, in my opinion.
Alexandra in my opinion is not a strong Wendla. I say this with the fact that just because she looks like a little girl doesn't means she does a good job playing the role that way. She is much too quiet and internal to engage the audience. I had difficulty hearing her, and I sat in the second row.
I attended the show with a friend who had never seen it, and she had the same complaint. I'm sure it was difficult to follow the story if you could not HEAR Wendla. I've seen the show several times, and I still missed several lines and favorite moments.
Here's the thing with Groff and Michele age difference. Yes, they are supposed to be playing young teens, but society is far more used to seeing young adults play these roles. Look at any TV show, and you'll see 20 somethings walking down the halls of a high school. The fact that the producers are supposed to be casting closer to age is admirable, but, in my opinion, it creates some problems when the show was originally directed with young adults in the roles.
Regardless of my opinion on the ages, the sound issue with Alexandra is a major problem.
So, that was the Drowsy Chaperone. Oh, I love it so much. I know it's not a perfect show...but it does what a musical is supposed to do. It takes you to another world, and it gives you a little tune to carry with you in your head for when you're feeling blue. Ya know?
I've never had a problem hearing her. I've seen her twice now. Once understudying when she first started and once after she took over. I never cried when I saw Lea, but I bawled during Alexandra's "Whispering."
Hunter Parrish walked past me on the street a few hours ago, and I swooned so much that it almost made me want to see Spring Awakening. If I was going to this show again, I would definitely wait for him, so I say do that.
"I just want a story and a few good songs that will take me away. I just want to be entertained. I mean, isn't that the point?"