Review: SPRING AWAKENING at Rise Above Performing Arts

“Spring Awakening”, with music by Duncan Sheik and Lyrics by Steven Sater, takes audiences on a wild ride through the tumultuous seas of adolescence. Exploring themes of attraction, desire, insecurity, and the rollercoaster of young adult life, this electrifying show is a must-see for anyone looking to relive the highs and lows of growing up. So, buckle up, grab your teenage angst, and get ready for a journey you won't soon forget!

"Spring Awakening," the boundary-pushing play that sparked controversy upon its 1891 release and raised eyebrows once more in the swinging 60s, underwent a major transformation in 2006 to morph into the vibrant musical spectacle that is adored today. Broadway was set ablaze by its success, clinching an impressive eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Direction, Book, Score, and a nod for a standout Featured actor. This global sensation gave rise to numerous international productions, captivating audiences around the world. Fast forward to the present day in 2022, an intriguing documentary capturing the 15-year reunion of the original cast premiered on HBO, offering fans a nostalgic look back at the show's enduring legacy. Buzz surrounding a potential silver screen adaptation has been swirling, teasing the possibility of "Spring Awakening" making a grand leap to the big screen in the near future. Truly, this is a story that refuses to stay silent!

At Rise Above, director Jacob Russo has fearlessly embarked on the monumental task of adapting his all-time favorite musical into a captivating production. He boldly proclaims that this endeavor ranks as the most demanding project he has ever tackled! One could argue that navigating through the intricate themes of the script poses a formidable challenge, as it delves into sensitive and contentious topics such as suicide, sexual repression, rape, and abortion. The mere thought of tackling such weighty subjects may seem daunting, yet when juxtaposed with the backdrop of adolescent turmoil, the impact is undeniably profound. Witnessing these issues being portrayed by young actors, who are either teenagers themselves or not far removed from that age, is truly remarkable. Audiences are seamlessly transported into the world of the characters, immersed in the raw emotions projected by these performers. The authenticity and rawness of their delivery leaves no room for doubt; their portrayal transcends mere acting to an experience that is deeply affecting and thoroughly engrossing.

“Spring Awakening” plays through June 15th for matinee and evening shows. Tickets are available at  https://riseabovearts.com/project/spring-awakening/.

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