Youth and Sexuality in Spring Awakening, a Musical by Becky Timms

Spring Awakening, directed and choreographed by Becky Timms, is a musical set in 1891 Germany that explores youth and sexuality. This performance was based on the original play written by Frank Wedekind. Books and lyrics were done by Steven Sater and music was by Duncan Sheik. The set for Spring Awakening was elaborate, creative, and versatile. The raised stage allowed the actors to be more visible while also allowing space for characters to sit down and look up at specific characters performing, giving emphasis to them and important events. More importantly, it wasn't just the raised stage portion that was used, also the normal portion of the stage off in the corners was utilized and decorated with various props.

Throughout the play various minor scenes took place in these parts and either served to enhance the main attraction on the raised stage or to distract from it momentarily. This helped to keep the stage from becoming too boxed in and all the space was used appropriately. The set also had another level because of the bridge. This allowed the set to adapt to the various changes in scenery without needing to excessively change the set between scenes. Cues from dialogue and props told the audience what the setting was exactly. For example where there were all the boys sitting in chairs and the teacher present, obviously it was a classroom, but there were also points where it was stated it was a barn.

The lighting also helped with the scenery changes and setting the mood. Whenever the teachers were on stage by themselves there was a specific lighting with shapes projected on the floor and it was harsher. However when Wendla and Melchior, played by Grant Zavitkovsky, were together the lighting was often softer. Costume Design, which was done by Eric Hall, was appropriate for the time period and interesting. The versatility of Wendla’s outfit when she had to go between wanting to become a woman and still being a child, particularly in the beginning of the play. As simple as removing the top garment allowed Wendla, played by Meagan Sharp, to have another outfit. The outfits for The Adult Women, played by Sarah Parker, and The Adult Men, played by Daniel Pippert, were versatile as well since they had to be, as only one man and woman were playing them.

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The main part of the costumes were simple and plain, completely black, but that allowed accessories to shine and signify the changes in each different adult character with each scene as well as saving on costume expenses. The costumes also helped to set the time period and make sure the audience was aware of the time period regardless of other elements that are not associated with such time period, such as the rock song outbreaks. Grant's performance as Melchoir was by far the best in the show. His character was rebellious and a dreamer yet had faults like every person does, making him related in theory. Grant's performance as Melchoir is what truly made him a relatable character and had the audience on his side, rooting for him even when he wasn't completely in the right. His performance created an emotional bond between him and the audience that left many people crying when he wept for Wendla's death, even though it was, directly and indirectly, his fault.

Moritz, played by Riley Phoenix, was hands down the second-best performance in Spring Awakening. Riley portrayed Moritz's clumsiness, insecurity, and the awkward stage of puberty in a relatable and almost nostalgic manner. The continuous development of Moritz's struggles with his pride and insecurities and suicidal thoughts was expressed in a way the audience could understand and even relate to. Wendla, played by Meagan Sharp, was also a related character and performed excellently. Meagan captured the childlike naive, curious, and genuine nature of Wendla perfectly. The route she chose to play Wendla almost seems obvious but her playing it perfectly is what made it great. Wendla’s lines could have been performed in a more snarky, sassy, or sarcastic manner to insinuate that Wendla knows more than her lines lead on and is a bit more rebellious like Melchoir.

However by playing Wendla is a truly innocent and childlike manner contrasted Melchoir’s more experienced and rebellious character. Overall, Spring Awakening was a well—executed musical production. The set served well to tell the story, the lighting helped set the mood for each scene, and the sound helped make it more realistic. Costumes portrayed each character’s personality while also setting the time period as to not let the audience forget. The actors also did an outstanding job portraying the characters in a way that allowed the audience to connect with them and get emotionally attached. However it would be interesting to see it performed in a more satirical manner.

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