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'Spring Awakening' reinvigorates Broadway

By Matt Windman | Special to amNewYork

December 11, 2006

Spring Awakening

"When Broadway history is being made, you can feel it." So said Frank Rich in his review of the original Broadway production of "Dreamgirls."

Now, twenty-five years later, anyone who enters the Eugene O'Neill Theatre will be privileged to behold the wonder of theater that is "Spring Awakening," arguably the most breathtaking American musical since "Rent" or even "Sweeney Todd."

Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater's youth rock musical, based on an obscure 1891 German children's tragedy, is far more edgy, sexy and contemporary than of the lame jukebox musicals and movie adaptations that Broadway has recently suffered.

Following its off-Broadway run this summer at Atlantic Theater Company, the threatening violence of Sater's book and visual marvel of Michael Mayer's staging have been trimmed to perfection. Its small cast of young actors provides performances that are deep, joyful and ultimately cathartic and unforgettable.

The score is sensational. The songs have titles like "The Bitch of Living," "My Junk" and "Totally F----d," an anthem of sarcasm and defiance. And unlike "Hair" and "Rent," two other well-known rock musicals, the storyline of "Spring Awakening" is actually coherent!

In addition to a fantastic new lighting design, the most effective change that was made between its move from Chelsea to Broadway was to cast four ensemble members in contemporary clothing to sit alongside a collection of theatergoers who actually sit onstage.

While the cast members, clad in their nineteenth century Europe garments, pick up microphones to croon alternative rock ballads, the modern lads now simultaneously join in.

Though it forgoes the marketing virtues of star power and pop culture recycling, it's possible that "Spring Awakening" will not only survive, but thrive on Broadway.

Its invigorating energy runs through you like a bolt of lightning, as if you were watching your favorite rock star in concert. "Spring Awakening" is a visceral, funny, beautifully brilliant experience that threatens to change the world and maybe save musical theater.

'Spring Awakening' At Eugene O'Neill Theatre, open run. Mon, Wed-Fri 8pm; Sat 2, 8pm; Sun 2, 7pm. 230 W 49th St, 212-239-6200