Thursday, December 07, 2006

'Spring Awakening': German Schoolboys Rock, and More


Michael and I went to see "Spring Awakening" last night at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on Broadway. Based on the 1891 Frank Wedekind play, and featuring an original score by Grammy Award-nominated recording star Duncan Sheik ("Barely Breathing") and Steven Sater, "Spring Awakening" examines the dramatic coming(s) of age of a group of high school students in 1890s Germany.

We were both blown away by the the show's music -- pop rock over a serious subject serves the show well -- and were equally impressed by the performances, most notably Jonathan Groff as Melchior, the "brainy, searching, sexy teen hero" of the play.

  • Get your tickets here.
  • Purchase a copy of the soundtrack here.

  • 7 comments:

    Anonymous said...

    I really hope people go see this because it was AMAZING. I too was blown away by the music and just excited to see the fantastic youthful cast!

    Anonymous said...

    Sounds like someone is beginning to like going to the theatre.



    : )

    Anonymous said...

    This is the best original theatrical show in the last 6-7 years. If you have not seen it you should RUSH to the Eugene O'niell Theatre. Incredible music, fantastic cast, hearty band, great blocking and choreography. In addition, the lighting is sensational. Encourage everyone you know to go see it. We cannot let this one get away. It needs to be seen by everyone from 12-100 years old. What a message it delivers!

    Anonymous said...

    I agree with anonymous! What a great show. You start singing the songs as you leave the theatre. Can't wait till the cast recording comes out in a couple of days. You can reserve your copy here:

    http://www.amazon.com/Spring-Awakening-2006-Original-Broadway/dp/B000J3FBFC

    Also you can see previews here:

    http://www.springawakening.com/spring_awakening_music_and_video.php

    Anonymous said...

    I totally agree! This musical got RAVE reviews from EVERY single major critic in NY! The best reviewed musical of the year!
    You can see all of the reviews compiled here: www.broadwaystars.com

    Anonymous said...

    Not just the best reviews of the year. I havn't seen reviews like this in 10 years or more. All well deserved. Even if you don't normally like Broadway musicals..go see this!

    Anonymous said...

    Ah well ... someone always comes along to fart int he party, so here I am: The only thing I thought remarkable about S/A was Bill T. Jones' choreography -- and it was wonderful. But the music was derivative, the story line 100+ years old -- the ensuing decades have substantially undercut its power to teach. It felt far too much like Rent Redivivus. The best musical of the last decade never made it to B'way, but it did receive a fabulous movie translation: Hedwig! Still brilliant.