Where I go. When I go there.

Last night I attended a performance of the Tony Award winning musical Spring Awakening. I was satisfyingly amazed. While I will always hold close to my heart the musicals from the gilded age of proscenium-edged productions, I am finding myself to be suddenly struck by cutting edge theatrics.

I followed my normal routine for a new musical. I listened to the soundtrack a few times in order to get a broad sense of the plot. I did not read a synopsis. I did not read any reviews. I did not want to be predisposed by the opinions of others. As with the musical Bare, Spring Awakening came with the warning of partial nudity and adult situations. A promise delivered.

Despite playing to a decidedly empty house at The Fabulous Fox, the cast provided an amazing production centered on the uncomfortable issues of teen angst, morality, sexuality, and coming-of-age sagas full of passion, skin, and incredible music.

Speaking of the music… The band was on-stage for the entire performance. Incredible! They were a part of the set and a part of the cast. The actors on stage would walk over to the band, pick up a mic stand, drag it down-center and sing their guts out. There were even times when they would walk through the band, having to turn sideways to pass the cello. And the music director/piano guy was absolutely rocking out. I loved it.

My escort for the evening pointed out that while the songs were an incredible part of the show; they were not necessarily plot essential. Unlike a Rogers & Hammerstein show, where a song was required for Laurie to profess her love to Curly, the musical moments of Spring Awakening were treated almost like an aside. Some of the songs took on a very concert like quality, complete with lighting and handheld mics.

I’m hooked.

The following video is a short montage set to the Act II show stopper. I considered posting a video of my favorite song, “I Don’t do Sadness,” but without context it is just a guy singing.