Guest Review by Colby Spencer Cesaro
Spring Awakening is essential viewing for our time. The production presented by the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre brings the audience into a world that is both foreign and antiquated but also quite relevant to our lives today. The cast highlights the show’s rich combination of alt rock and witty dialogue capturing the inner conflict imposed by coming of age that most parents, much less the rest of society, cannot help their teenagers navigate.
Imagine a world governed by strict puritanical rules where parents view their children’s actions and academic successes as a direct reflection on themselves and where public appearances are of utmost importance. I could be talking about today or 130 years ago as not much has changed. Spring Awakening brings forward the inner turmoil, embarrassment, excitement, and yes awakening, that occurs in every person as they grow from child to adult. Addressing topics like consent, abuse, sexuality, rape, depression, and suicide, the show is not for those who would shy away from the reality presented. Spring Awakening brings together quite a serious storyline with poetic lyrics, alt-rock melodies, and all the fun of teenagers at a concert.
Ron Baumanis’ production is genuine, emotional, and nothing short of perfect. The Arthur Miller Theatre’s intimate environment allows the audience to see every facial expression and movement by the cast. Susan Pearlman’s costumes are incomparable. Colored-coded everything in rainbow shades, yet still reserved, providing an air of the time and a playfulness essential to this production (plus the custom-sewn pockets in each actor’s costume are enviable, no notes). Patricia Mazzola’s movement work shines through as the cast always knows what to do with their arms and bodies. This is harder to manage than you might think! In Spring Awakening intimacy takes front stage, literally, and Jared Hoffert’s work with the cast was crucial to making this production feel very real.
The orchestra on stage paired with handheld microphones for each cast member brought levity and fun to a storyline rife of drama and heartache. Daniel Bachelis’ music direction is flawless. Having strings with piano and percussion added a perfect layer of richness to the music that highlights the lyrics in each musical number. The combination of a simple set that allowed the actors to do their work along with strategic lighting design by Bennett Black ensured the audience’s attention was pulled in the intended direction.
Finally, the actors. I cannot speak highly enough of these actors. The audience could feel the longing of each character. The desperation, the need, and the joy were shared so willingly by each of the actors on the stage, their voices carrying messages necessary for adults across the world to hear, sung with such passion and seriousness. Mackenzie Finley’s lyric voice and drawing presence provided a seamless combination of innocence and desire. I wanted to run on stage to give AJ Dagenais’ Moritz a hug and tell him he is loved. He embodied the true turmoil of his character and I hope that every parent watching was as moved by his performance as I was.
I could go on and on about each actor, each song, each production point and then talk about it all over again. Do yourself a favor and see this absolute treat of a show. The yearning, pain, rejection, love, and forever optimistic Purple Summer. You will feel something, I guarantee it.
I provide my very highest recommendation.
Spring Awakening runs through June 8th at the Arthur Miller Theatre, Ann Arbor, MI. Purchase tickets through their web site at A2CT.org – do not purchase from third party sales sites online.
Mostly Musical Theatre 
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