Annapolis and Eastern Shore Local News > Spring Awakening

News/Local

Spring Awakening | Review

By Nadja Maril Photos by Paul Kolnik

[Above: Blake Bashoff in the role of Mortiz]

Unique, provocative, funny, and poignant are words that aptly describe “Spring Awakening” currently playing at the Baltimore Hippodrome through June 2lst. Winner of eight Tony Awards in 2007, this entertaining musical is not for prudes. The title “Spring Awakening” takes its name from the sexual awakening of three teenagers living in 19th century Germany in a small provincial repressive town. The subjects of masturbation, premarital sex, homosexuality, and incest are all skillfully integrated into the storyline that is based on the 1891 play by Frank Wedekind.

The setting may be the Victorian era but the music is riveting rock n’ roll with lovely ballads intermixed with dance and dialogue. The stage design is one of the cleverest I’ve seen in a long time, intermixing antiques and the contemporary. A set of bleacher seats on each side of the stage keep the performers part of the action throughout the musical. Exquisite lighting design by Kevin Adams puts the focus on the soloist and sets the mood as the storyline swings from dark despair, passion, and anger, to resignation, love, and acceptance with tonal shades of red and white.

The acting and the singing voices are lovely; perfectly blended and harmonious in all respects. While many of the lyrics graphically communicate disturbing situations, the score by Duncan Skeik is uplifting.
Choreography to this Broadway musical is by Bill T. Jones. Book and lyrics are by Steven Sater and direction by Michael Mayer.

[Right: Christy Altomare and Kyle Riabko in the roles of Wendla and Melchior.]

Lead performers for this national tour debut include Broadway cast members Kyle Riabko as Melchio and, Blake Bashoff as Moritz along with Christy Alomare debuting in the role of Wendla.

This is a musical that you do not want to miss! If you did not have the opportunity to see it in New York, for just a short time it is conveniently close and accessible whether you live in Annapolis or Centreville.

For more information about performance times and ticket purchases call 410-547-7328 or go to BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. The Hippodrome Theatre is located at 12 North Eutaw Street in Baltimore.