The cast of Spring Awakening performed to an incredibly packed house a few days ago. The crowd sat in eager anticipation for the Tony-award winning show’s Indiana premier. Spring Awakening is based on a play written in 1892, which was turned into a Broadway musical in 2006 and gave a few of the Glee stars their big breaks.
Set in 1890s Germany, the plot deals with some delicate subject matter; adolescent sexual awakening, suicide, abortion, rape, incest and more. It’s no frothy Oklahoma. That being said, though it’s clearly not appropriate for kids, its melancholy ballads tell a powerful story that gives adults something to think about after the curtain call.
The production’s two leads, David Terry, who plays Melchior and Wendla, played by Carly Kincannon, are excellent. Young and earnest, their sweet romance is the beating heart of the story. Both actors have the pipes to carry the songs as well. They are particularly good in "Mama Who Bore Me" and "Left Behind."
The Phoenix’ round, open set gives the cast members plenty of room for their many entrances and exits. Bryan Fonseca’s direction is leads the talented cast and live music performed on the stage accentuate powerful songs like, “The Dark I Know Well” and “The Song of Purple Summer."
The Phoenix theatre never shies away from anything taboo and it’s that fearless attitude which often shines a light of subjects that are shrouded in shame. The play was written at a time when teenagers were told nothing about sex, but that ignorance doesn’t equal abstinence. As their bodies change and they grow up their hormones go wild and their innocent minds are left feeling confused and sometimes scared.
Don't Miss the Show
For more information about the Phoenix Theatre, visit www.phoenixtheatre.org. The theater is located at 749 N. Park Ave., Indianapolis, just off Massachusetts Ave.
Performances: The show runs until Oct. 23 and offers four performances a week. Thursdays begin at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturdays begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Tickets: To purchase tickets, call (317) 635-PLAY (7529). Prices range from $15 to $20.
Photos Courtesy of Zach Rosing
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