The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies presents “Spring Awakening,” running for two weeks in the Stillwell Theatre on the Kennesaw Campus. In my opinion, “Spring Awakening,” directed by Rick Lombardo, can go ahead and take its place alongside some of the Greats. Though it is a young musical and a fairly new adaptation, “Spring Awakening” has no trouble holding its own.
This show originated as a German play written by Frank Wedekind back in 1981. The play was then revamped by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater. The original Broadway production of this new alternative rock musical debuted on Broadway in 2006. There have been a number of renditions of this musical, but none can compare to the creative direction of Rick Lombardo, who took this show and cranked up the volume.
“Spring Awakening” follows the stories of many teens living in an angst-filled world. There are strong elements and heavy topics that are more than addressed in this show. Growing up, we are often left to try and figure life out all on our own. No one hands us a guide and we are typically left sulking in our room, listening to Green Day, just trying to understand our own feelings. This musical is just that. These teenagers are dealing with sexuality, loneliness and making major choices on their own. The more relatable it is, the more an audience can enjoy it. The best part of the musical is that it really allows for an insight in the minds and hearts of the characters, and is what makes “Spring Awakening” great. It will hit home in one way or another.
A musical this fantastic takes several hands to properly execute. The director has a vision but many people have to collaborate and become one for the machine to work. Director Rick Lombardo worked alongside Judy Cole (Musical Direction), Eryn Murman who taught Sonya Tayeh’s choreography (Associate Choreographer), Ben Rawson (Lighting Designer), Lauren Robinson (Technical Director), Jamie Bullins (Costume and Scenic Designer), and Amanda Wansa Morgan (Vocal Coach). These are just a small handful of people who put their hands in the pot. Besides the team behind the scenes, the cast was remarkable at their job too. The emotions evoked from me and my neighboring theatre-goers, by this group of actors, was unbelievable.
The cast brings us on a rollercoaster of emotions. Leads of the show Laura Reboulet, Tad Cramer, and Danny Crowe each have their own personality they brought to the stage, but the level of success could not have happened without their undoubtable chemistry. Crowe, Reboulet, and Cramer all with about seven years of musical theatre experience each, were each asked what they believed their character brought to the performance to help enhance the theme.
“Melchior embodies questioning life and searching for justice in an unjust world,” said Crowe.
“Moritz brings regret and remorse to the story. ‘What could I do differently’?” said Cramer.
Reboulet’s character Wendla “…is the picture of innocence and purity.” When asked if there was anything they would want to say to a patron that has never seen a musical they said that you should come and enjoy the play while getting the chance to see a bare butt. “If you hate musicals, hate Broadway, hate New York, you will love this show, because it is not traditional, It’s a rock show!
“Spring Awakening” will be playing at Stillwell Theatre from March 16-20.
