Spring’s Awakening is an incredible revival of a musical that originated in Germany in the late 1890s. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to see this magnificent show with my high school drama class. The entire performance was so moving and heartwarming.
This musical was originally criticized so much by the German people for its content, profanity, and partial nudity that it was actually shut down. Even today, critics are very harsh saying that it is “inappropriate” in many aspects of life. Although this play did contain some explicit, graphic material, it is completely appropriate when placed in the context of the entire show as a whole.
Spring Awakening is about the growth and maturation of teens and the problems they face. The parents are portrayed as the “bad guys” that keep the maturing young adults from being able to ask questions and express their feelings. This musical shows an incredible perspective about what teens across the globe are going through.
I recommend this show wholeheartedly to audiences both young and old. For adults, this musical opened their naïve eyes and saw that the problems teens deal with today are real and not just over dramatized “fluff.” For teenagers, it let us know that we are not alone, there are people going through the same things. Spring’s Awakening described the importance of talking with parents and communicating. This show moved me and brought both laughter and tears to my eyes.
