Review: SPRING AWAKENING at Some Theatre Company

Adolescence is a confusing season of life. Especially when you live in 19th century Germany. Some Theatre Company of Orono brought this experience to life in their performances of "Spring Awakening." This musical ran from April 21st-30th at the Keith Anderson Community Center in Orono, ME.

The musical is set in 19th century Germany and follows the lives of a group of teenagers. Wendla Bergman (Silvia Baxter) is a naive young girl whose mother refuses to teach her about the "facts of life" despite her experiencing puberty and the birth of her niece. She falls in love with Melchoir Gabor (Logan Bard) a well-read, highly intelligent rebel who educates his friends on taboo matters such as sex. One friend that Melchoir tutors is Moritz Stiefel (Robert Brangwynne) a perfectionist who is haunted by unusual dreams. The adults' only roles are as authority figures to the youths which is reflected by having all adult roles played by two actors (Corissa Bither and Sam Kunz).

"Spring Awakening is the rare opportunity in musical theatre to marry relevant topics of today with entertainment," director, Elaine Bard said.

The set, designed by Gerry Bard, was very simple allowing for quick changes between scenes that occur both indoors and outdoors. Despite being generations removed from modern adolescents, the actors explore contemporary themes including sexuality, academic pressures and suicide. This content is what makes "Spring Awakening" relatable to audience members in the 21st century.

Regardless of what season of life one is in, "Spring Awakening" allows its audience to reflect on adolescence and all of the challenges it brings. Considering the musical's mature content, I would recommend it to adult audiences only. For more information about upcoming productions, you may visit Some Theatre Company's website at sometheatrecompany.com.

Photo Credit: Tricia Owens Kenny at CK2 Photography

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