Deaf West Spring Awakening to NYC?- Page 2

[LightsOut90]

Posted: 6/7/15 at 12:52am

they couldn't be two more DIFFERENT shows. 

[QueenAlice]

Posted: 6/7/15 at 1:22am

The cast size for the DeafWest Production is 27 plus the band.  That's a huge production. I can't imagine this being produced in NYC by anything other than by a Not-for Profit Organization. Truly Roundabout should bring it to the Laura Pels -- that would be most appropriate.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 6/7/15 at 11:36am

This production is certainly in line with Roundabout's mission. It is an innovative production that showcases something not seen on the commercial Broadway stage. It doesn't matter that the show is popular; it's nowhere near the productions you will see at your local community theater 

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 6/8/15 at 2:22pm

Saw it last night, not really a major fan of the show, but what Deaf West did with it was powerful, some amazing images created on that stage last night. 

[Phillypinto]

Posted: 6/8/15 at 2:59pm

Isn't it to early for a Spring Awakening revival? There aren't to many theaters available for the fall unless they do a limited run or something

[singingbackup]

Posted: 6/8/15 at 5:25pm

I seem to be in the minority on this one.  I am a huge fan of Deaf West and what they bring to the arts and particularly musical theater.  I am also a fan of Spring Awakening, having seen it many times in NYC.  My problems with this production were many: The direction was so hit and miss, at times brilliant imagery and moving interpretation; other times confusing motives and amateurish staging.  I also would have liked more connection between the deaf actors and their singing counterparts, a conceit that worked brilliantly in Pippin.  And it could have been the night I attended, but I felt the cast as a whole lacked power, musicality and harmony.  From the comments on this thread, perhaps they fixed that aspect.  The end of Act I was too busy, with the 'serving of communion' during the pivotal moment (no spoiler) getting in the way of some of the deeper meaning of what was happening.  (this bit of stage business seemed to come from a line of dialogue stating that 'everyone's at church, rehearsing for our Michaelmas chorale') I much prefer the 'Greek chorus' of the youth surrounding the the two as innocence is lost. (or similar imagery)

It could be a bit early for a revival, but who's to say? What I would really love to see is an original musical that uses this format.  

PS: Bette Midler belting out the hits, slaying the audience with her wit and wisdom for an hour and 45 minutes straight at 69 years young...that's the meaning of Blown Away!  

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 6/8/15 at 5:53pm

I will admit at times I was lost on the story line, some of the songs didn't really move the story along, but it had major moments that where breathtaking 

[PepperedShepherd]

Posted: 6/12/15 at 4:17am

Just got back from seeing this a second time and, if anything, my estimation of it has only gone up (and it was pretty high to begin with).

There is something just so achingly beautiful about this production. It helps that SPRING AWAKENING really lends itself to this signed/spoken/sung approach. Much of the plot revolves around communication (or the lack thereof). So, for example, at the beginning when a signing Wendla asks her speaking mother to tell her the Facts of Life, there is a whole 'nother layer added to the scene. And this dynamic continues throughout the piece, highlighting & illuminating things in interesting and unexpected ways.

And then, of course, there is the esoteric alt-rock/abstract nature of the music & lyrics. When they sign/sing "Oh, I'm gonna bruise you/Oh, you're gonna be my bruise", the expressive ASL gestures adds a choreographic element that you don't get in a traditional production. Again, this happens over & over throughout.

A second viewing exposed so many riches that escaped me the first time. So many details of performance, movement, direction. The cast is superlative -- even more impressive than on first viewing. And despite what singingbackup experienced, there was certainly NO lack of energy. Both "Bitch of Living" and "Totally F****d" darn near stopped the show. (Isn't it great to be in an audience who really appreciates what they're experiencing?)

There was another Q&A after the performance, and despite a leading question or two, there was no mention of any future plans for this production.  (I also spoke to someone Very High Up after the performance, but with the same result.) And that would be a crying shame. I think this would be a shoo-in for a "Best Revival" Tony nomination. But, beyond any awards consideration, I honestly think this is a production that deserves to be seen by as many people as possible.

It's just that powerful. It's just that good.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 6/18/15 at 3:20pm

I saw one of the added performances this past weekend. The dramaturgy is mind-blowing, and the show is stronger and more powerful than I've ever seen it -- or, honestly, imagined it could ever be. No hyperbole. Just magnificent. To the point that I almost couldn't believe what I was seeing because I hated the show so much in 2007. This is the Spring Awakening we deserved all along. I hope it has a huge future ahead of it. 

Updated On: 6/18/15 at 03:20 PM

[Phillypinto]

Posted: 6/18/15 at 8:18pm

any updates on this?

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

Posted: 6/18/15 at 10:06pm

I saw this the first weekend in June and found it to be stunning. This was actually the first Deaf West production I've seen and it blew me away. We talk about wanting to make theater more accessible and more inclusive and this is it. Productions like this are opening doors for so many new audiences.

I believe this is one of Arden's first major directing pieces and he's succeeding. His staging is just...tight. This is running like a very well oiled machine where every person on that stage is very aware of everyone else and exactly what's happening.

Some have said that it's too soon for a revival of Spring Awakening and typically I'd agree. But this is a totally different show. The original did some things very, very well. And this too, just in a new way.

Krysta Rodriguez was a highlight, but the entire cast puts it together. Even if this just went on a tour to a few regional theaters, I'd be happy. This deserves to be seen by more people and this opens the doors for having more discussions about accessible theater.

[leeleecocororo]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 10:15am

Spring Awakening is headed to Broadway

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 10:19am

Wayyyy too soon

[Kad]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 10:21am

6 years since the close of the original... is this a new record?

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 10:23am

Where could this go? The Atkinson, maybe? It's the only readily available house I can think of in the Fall that would suit this production. 

Wonderful news! 

[LarryD2]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 10:23am

6 years since the close of the original... is this a new record?

 

Not even close. Revivals used to crop up fast on the heels of the original more frequently in the past. For example, OKLAHOMA received it's first revival 3 years (to the day) after the original closed.

Updated On: 7/1/15 at 10:23 AM

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 10:24am

Will this be eligible for best revival?

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 10:25am

I'll believe it when they announce a theater. There are theaters available, so to say they're waiting for one is BS.

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 10:31am

Neon, unless one is presumptive to a shows closing that has not yet been announced, I don't believe there are any "unbooked" theaters aside from the Atkinson this Fall. Correct me if I'm wrong. 

I also find it strange that "casting will be announced later today."

Updated On: 7/1/15 at 10:31 AM

[LarryD2]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 10:33am

I also find it strange that "casting will be announced later today.

I suppose it's possible that most or all of the recent LA cast will transfer. 

[mpd4165]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 10:40am

"I also find it strange that "casting will be announced later today.
I suppose it's possible that most or all of the recent LA cast will transfer. "

The wording was casting notices will go up later today. 

[InnerMonologue]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 10:41am

According to an AEA source, the show is in negotiations with the Brooks.

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 10:42am

Aside from presumed closings (Amazing Grace, for one), the Neil Simon does not have a long term tenant. But I guess the article specifically said fall.

Makes sense that they would take the Atkinson.

[Bilbo3]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 10:44am

Yikes. Way too soon. I'd rather see a film of this.

[thirtythirtyninety]

Posted: 7/1/15 at 10:45am

Fantastic news! Dying to see this production