The producers of “Spring Awakening” made a daring move when they took a bunch of talented but relatively inexperienced young actors and cast them in what became one of the most popular Broadway productions. As the show’s second anniversary draws near, that bold move continues to give the show a fresh, exciting momentum.
“Spring Awakening” opened on Broadway in December 2006 at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre and won eight Tony Awards in 2007, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. The rock musical features Steven Slater’s book and lyrics and Duncan Sheik’s music, and is based on Frank Wedekind’s 1891 play of the same name. “Spring Awakening” follows a group of German teens who struggle with their newfound sexuality in the repressed society of the late 19th century.
In moving to Broadway, the show took with it many of the original cast. Today, “Spring Awakening” boasts a fresh cast of young actors, most making their Broadway debuts. The original cast was incredibly talented, to be sure, but the current players actually look and sound their parts. If they come across as anxious, confused young teenagers, it’s probably because that is who they are. Like the characters they portray, they are exploring new territory.
It would have been easy for these Broadway novices to rely on the original cast’s legacy, but it’s clear they’re not basing their performances strictly on those of their predecessors. Each actor brings something unique to his or her character, and even the small, subtle changes are effective. The current cast is led by Hunter Parrish from the Showtime series “Weeds.” Parrish stars as smart, rebellious Melchior, a philosopher at heart who is eager to explore the mechanics of sex, something that he has so far only read about in books. Parrish has a sweet, clear singing voice that matches his choir-boy good looks, and he inhabits the role of Melchior with passion and fierce clarity.
Alexandra Socha plays Wendla, the sheltered young girl whose life is thrown into turmoil when she gives in to her newly awoken desire. Socha, small and childlike, possesses a tragic innocence that sexy Lea Michele, the original Wendla, just didn’t have. Her vocals are nowhere near as strong as Michele’s, but otherwise, she is a good fit. Socha also effectively uses her youth to create a more credible Wendla. She and Parrish have genuine chemistry and make an attractive pair.
Gerard Canonico was a member of the ensemble in the original cast and proves a good choice for the featured role of Moritz. Tony winner John Gallagher, Jr. was brilliant as the tormented young man who struggles with the exhausting effects of puberty. While Gallagher remains unparalleled, Canonico, sporting Moritz’s trademark wild hairstyle, manages to step out of his predecessor’s shadow and give a performance that is entirely his own. Emma Hunton stands out as the free-spirited Ilse, lending a charming impishness to a one-dimensional character. Matt Doyle, who has been with the show for over a year as an understudy, is delightful as Hanschen, the intense young man who unapologetically seduces one of his classmates.
Many of these new cast members joined “Spring Awakening,” which had its 750th performance earlier this week, well into its run. The show has not turned out to be, as some predicted, Broadway’s next “Hair” or “Rent,” musicals that stirred and defined their generations. However, cast members and audiences alike can still find relevance in a 100-year-old story, a testament to the show’s significance on the modern Broadway stage. The show remains as thrilling an experience as ever, from the exhilarating rock score to the enthusiasm of the young cast. If there is one musical worth revisiting almost two years into its successful Broadway run, “Spring Awakening” is it.
Spring Awakening is playing at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, located at 230 W. 49th St. (between Broadway and Eighth Avenue)
Student RUSH tickets ($27) are available on the day of the performance when the box office opens. Limit two per valid ID. Subject to availability. Cash only. Regular tickets are $111.50 each.
Linnea Bloomquist is NYU arts editor. E-mail her at nyuarts@nyunews.com.
Washington Square News > Arts > Theater
‘Spring’ cleaning: new cast stays fresh
Published: Friday, October 17, 2008
Updated: Friday, October 17, 2008
 "Photo: COURTESY OF CASS BIRD")
COURTESY OF CASS BIRD
CAREFUL!: The young cast of “Spring Awakening” has kept an old show interesting.
3 comments
Rick v
Linnea's comments about the new cast is dead on. The story and lyrics are preposterous and often cringeworthy, but the cast energy, singing and choreography are worth it.
Lou
Sweetie, he chose to leave. Deal with it.
Jessica
I can't believe that they replaced John Gallahger Jr. He was the best charactar, and that new one can't measure up at all. Loser. GO JGJ!
