Spring Awakening 7/12/08 matinee with Matt Shingledecker as Melchoir

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/12/08 at 10:54pm

Okay, I am going to keep this short because I'm tired.

Overall, the show is still in good shape. I had onstage seats, and it is always a thrill to sit there.

It was Matt Shingledecker's first performance as Melchoir. He has a good voice, but I felt like he needs some time to get more comfortable into the role. Matt seemed to hold back a little towards the beginning, but got better throughout the end of the first act into the second. He didn't stand out for me in the show as much as Jonathan Groff stood out. But, again, it was his first time, so I don't want to give him a negative review.

A lot of people have said that Lea Michele has a better voice, while Alexandra Socha has better acting chops for the role. I agree with this. Her portrayal really brought out the youthfulness in Wendla's character. When I saw Lea, I thought she was good, but had a difficult time imaging a young 14 year-old girl.

I didn't realize Blake Bashoff was 27 years old! I am not really familiar with him at all and his pre-Spring Awakening credits. Anyways, I liked him, but felt as if he was channeling John Gallagher, Jr. at times. Despite that, I do hope to catch him on tour if he stays till Boston.

I love Emma Hunton's voice. She was there at the stage door with (I think?) her mom and her dog - it was so adorable. I really liked her interpretation of Ilse and how she made the role her own.

Matt Doyle as Hanschen - loved his scene with Blake Daniel (Ernst). For those who are wondering, he does still understudy Melchoir. I would love to see his Melchoir someday.

I liked Glenn Flescher as the Adult Male. I read reviews on here how people said they didn't like him, but maybe I am thinking of the wrong person.

As for the original cast - Remy Zakin, Lilli Cooper, Skylar Astin, Christine Estabrook, Brian Charles Johnston - they still were as good as when I saw them a year ago, except I think you can tell some of them were ready to move on (but don't take that the wrong way - they were great). Christine Estabrook is amazing and I like her in Desperate Housewives. Glad to see she came back to the show. I think Remy, Lilli, and Skylar are leaving next week.

That's it for now. If I think of anything else to add, I will later. Sorry if this review is a bit "asfjfgsrg" I am just tired now.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 9:00am

Shameless bump - was anyone else at his first performance?

[adamgreer]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 9:13am

No, but I have to believe that even a not very confident yet Shingledecker was an improvement over the dreadful Kyle Riabko.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 9:27am

By the way, the orchestra and front mezzanine seemed full, but most of the rear mezz was empty.

[njohn]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 8:36pm

It's good to know that I'm not the only one who isn't ecstatic over Riabko.
Updated On: 7/13/08 at 08:36 PM

[adamgreer]

Posted: 7/13/08 at 8:48pm

njohn, based on comments here on the board, most people aren't. The consensus seems to be good voice, horrendous acting (which was exactly how I felt).