Reviews

Spring Awakening

Editorial Staff

You can’t help but be swept up by the energy of this revival of Sheik and Slater’s rock musical version of Wedekind’s controversial play about burgeoning sexuality and the dangers of ignorance.

The simple and effective staging by Sarah Haddath allows the characters to come to the fore and the narrative to have the necessary drive to propel its young cast to the inevitable tragic end. There are sterling performances from Finlay Macaulay as Moritz and Hamish Colville as Melchior as well as Ailis Duff, who makes her roles as both Wendla’s mother and one of the schoolteachers distinct and engaging.

This production really comes to life, however, when the company is brought together. In ensemble numbers like “My Junk”, “Totally F**ked” and “The Song of Purple Summer” the cast seem to draw extra energy from each other which surges out into the auditorium on their voices.

There are a few moments where some members of the company struggle to compete with the orchestra and the movement skills of the group vary somewhat. However, in the end, individuals don’t matter when you’re faced with such a raw, beautiful and energetic ensemble piece.

– Chris Hill