BWW Reviews: Toronto Youth Theatre's Spring Awakening

Last night I did something that I have never done in Toronto before – I attended a youth theatre production of one of my favourite musicals.  Toronto Youth Theatre is currently presenting Spring Awakening at The Lower Ossington Theatre, and some persuasive cast members convinced me it was worth checking out.

I’m happy to report that they were right.  Spring Awakening is a rare type of musical theatre production in that while it deals with incredibly mature subject matter, it is actually strengthened by having young people perform the parts.  The show was written for youths, but, more often than not ends up being performed by adults.  This production uses kids very close in age to what is written in the original text, and it works beautifully.

Spring Awakening tells the story of a group of adolescents struggling to come to terms with their sexuality in a repressed and oppressive society.  It is a cautionary tale of what can happen when parents and teachers fail to communicate with the children who are dependent on them for information about very sensitive subjects.

The material is handled brilliantly in the hands of director Neil Silcox who leads a team of young and talented kids through complex music and choreography.  Their youthful exuberance (and dare I say innocence) serves to only accentuate the delicate nature of the subject matter and make the entire story more poignant than any other time I’ve seen it performed.  These kids are literally putting every ounce of their heart and souls into each note, movement and word, and it shines through.

If you get a chance, check out Spring Awakening and support the Toronto Youth Theatre.  They are a registered charitable organization who are dedicated to providing an inclusive, safe environment for Toronto youth to explore their love of the arts.  This may have been my first time at one of their shows, but I can guarantee it won’t be the last.

When and Where?
Toronto Youth Theatre presents Spring Awakening

The Lower Ossington Theatre

 Remaining Performances:

Nov 24^th-26^th at 7:30PM

Nov 26^th at 2PM

Tickets range from $17.50 to $35 and can be purchased in person at the door, or online here http://tytspringawakening.eventbrite.com/