Theatertrash revisits SPRING AWAKENING

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 11/17/06 at 1:29pm

Last night's stunning first preview of the newly transferred SPRING AWAKENING was just as refreshing as its original Off-Broadway run. With a few noticeable changes to those who had seen its previous life (the cut "There Once Was a Pirate" and the prolonged sex-scene, the very small changes in blocking in the final scene with the added smoek effect), the show, in my opinion, is even stronger.

The cast is just as fabulous - with two extremely great additions: Stephen Spinella and Christine Estabrook. The two, who play all of the authority/adult figures, both have incredibly gorgeous moments. Compared to the two who played the roles originally, it is a fresher, much more effective approach to the roles and greatly help the pacing of the show. Best of all, they even provide some excellent comic relief.

Instead of rambling on about much of the young ensemble, as all of the reviews have already done, I'll simply touch on the incredibly John Gallagher Jr. This young man is extraordinary. If he doesn't receieve a Tony nomination for best featured actor, it will be a crime. And I wouldn't be surprised if he wound up taking it. His performance is incredibly beautiful and the majority of the audience seems to light up every second he is on stage.

The staging, I think, though, is what makes this piece so extraordinary. Shiek's score is gorgeous. The book and lyrics are heartbreaking. And the piece is, even a century later, completely groundbreaking. Many compare it to RENT... However, this is in a class of its own. If you have EVER been a teenager, and we all have, this musical will effect you unlike any other. As someone just getting out of the teenage years, getting through the piece without any tears is extremely difficult. The show hits home. We have all battled sexuality, puberty, love, fear of death and the unknown, school, our parents and depression. We have all been curious. And the idea of placing the actors on stage and mingled with audience members (as well as the newly added 4 young swings in the on-stage seats dressed like audience members to symbolize the EXTREME connection to today's youth compared to that of 100 years ago), is a brilliant way of making that connection come even more to life.

The staging is beautiful. It is unlike anything I have ever experienced and, with THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA following at a close second, one of the greatest theatrical experiences of my entire life. More than 12 hours later, my brain and body are both still overwhelmed by the delicious tingles it got last night.

This is a masterpiece. The lighting, the set, the costumes, the fabulous band, the incredible performances. This is one of the most beautiful works of art you will ever experience.

Run, don't walk. Push people out of the way if you have to. But get there. And see this masterpiece.

[Amneris]

Posted: 11/17/06 at 1:31pm

I saw you sitting on stage he he. You look like you were having fun.

[sciguy]

Posted: 11/17/06 at 1:46pm

Thanks for the great review. My daughter and I are seeing the show tomorrow matinee. It has been a while since I have been this excited to see a show. It sounds like I won't be disapointed. I will post my thoughts tomorrow night.

[Luscious]

Posted: 11/17/06 at 1:52pm

Great review! You've got me very excited! I posted this question on a related thread but no one replied. Is the theatre a big, medium or small house? Does the size of the theatre, compared to it's Off-Broadway venue, enhance or diminish the show in any way. Also, I have 7th row center orchestra seats for early January. Based on the staging and the theatre, how would you rate these seats? My choice was between the 1st and 7th rows. I thought the 1st row might be too close-up to fully appreciate all aspects of the staging. Am I going to regret my decision? Thanks.

Updated On: 11/17/06 at 01:52 PM

[Tom1071]

Posted: 11/17/06 at 2:09pm

7th Row will be perfect. It's just enough to give you the full picture but to be honest there really isn't a bad seat in the house with the exception of the first box seats on the side. I find the O'Neill theatre intimate.
Updated On: 11/17/06 at 02:09 PM

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 11/17/06 at 2:39pm

The O'Neill is a pretty small theater. It's a great size for the show and 7th row is absolutely perfect.

And yes, Amneris, I was having a blast. I had to keep reminding myself not to sing along because it'd be highly embarassing if I were to get caught. Heh.

Updated On: 11/17/06 at 02:39 PM

[deardarling]

Posted: 11/17/06 at 3:35pm

Ahh! Now I am super excited to see this show=)

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 11/17/06 at 4:00pm

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!!!!!