Content warning: Spring Awakening contains depictions and discussions of sexual/familial violence and suicide.
An ode to a beloved musical, the Selkie Theatre Company’s production of Spring Awakening was nothing short of astounding. In a small and intimate venue, the show was evocative and emotional, reminiscent of the original Broadway production.
In a city-wide event that can sometimes become too focused on comedy and slapstick, Spring Awakening was a breathtaking reminder of how broad artistic talent can be. The performers excelled in their comedic timing, most definitely, but also in their sheer musical talent and ability to engage with some incredibly disturbing and difficult topics.
This performance brought me close to tears – not only because the musical has a particularly special place in my heart, but because of how beautifully it had been reconstructed. Initially, I approached this production with trepidation and with a lot of expectations. But these expectations were met, and the performance went beyond what I thought it could – it did not disappoint.
Drenched in raw emotion, this is a musical that engages with some incredibly serious issues and these issues were treated with sensitivity and maturity. Though the content of the musical was heavy, the way cast members interacted with it did not overburden the audience and we were still able to enjoy the performance.
I’d like to pay a special mention to the actor of Moritz Stiefel, who brought incredible life to a character who faces a difficult ending. His timing was comedic and his voice perfect for the role, and I expect many more great performances from him.
The choice of live music was also particularly poignant. In an age when playing a YouTube soundtrack is a lot more convenient, the music was played live and in the wings (which remained visible in this production, the stage marked by a white square). It made all the difference in hooking the audience in.
Though the show was not without its errors (an occasional mic fault and a late light), the performers remained professional. If it wasn’t for the price and the size of the venue, I could’ve been convinced that this was a West End level of production.
If the Selkie Theatre Company is here again next year, expect another great review from me.
Spring Awakening is running until August 10th at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall – Grand Theatre (Venue 53).
Buy tickets here.
Image provided by theSpace to The Student for press use.