Susan Granger review: “Spring Awakening” (Eugene O’Neill Theater: 2006-2007)
Teenage sexuality takes center stage in Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s terrific musical adaptation of Franz Wedekind’s edgy, once-banned play, set in a provincial German town in the 1890s.
The story, developed in various vignettes, revolves around three hormone-propelled teenagers: a promising yet rebellious student (Jonathan Groff), the innocent girl who adores him (Lea Michele), and his geeky, sexually confused friend (John Gallagher Jr.). Evading the watchful eyes of the authority figures (Stephen Spinella, Christine Estabrook), they explore masturbation, sadomasochism, unbridled lust, unwanted pregnancy, suicide and illegal abortion – all in a pre-Freudian era that’s filled with repression.
Utilizing Steven Sater’s book and lyrics and Duncan Sheik’s music, director Michael Mayer and choreographer Bill T. Jones have the youthful characters express their feelings of bewilderment, confusion and sexual alienation through a pop-rock vernacular, assuming familiar rock star poses, whipping out hand-held microphones and erupting into MTV-style dancing. Because of that artificial conceit, their characterizations take on a cartoonish stereotype, albeit infused with vital, unstoppable energy, particularly during the show-stopping “Totally Fucked” number, which serves as an adolescent anthem.
Kudos to Christine Jones for the scenic design and Susan Hilferty for the costumes.
I’ve heard that the most coveted tickets in town are the 26 ‘on-stage seats,’ selling for only $31.50; that’s a ‘real steal’ compared with the $100+ seats in the audience. From the on-stage perch, you’re, literally, part of the show with members of the cast sitting beside you and singing in your ears. To purchase them, go to the theater’s box-office at 230 E. 49th St., or www.telecharge.com.