The cast of “Spring Awakening.” Photo by RJ Pavel.
“Arma virumque cano, Troiae qui primus ab oris
Italiam, fato profugus, Laviniaque venit
litora, multum ille et terris iactatus et alto
vi superum saevae memorem Iunonis ob iram;
multa quoque et bello passus, dum conderet urbem…”
These are the opening lines to Virgil’s Aeneid which this reviewer had to memorize in Latin class. So, too, do Melchior, Moritz, and the other students of “Spring Awakening.” Indeed, the musical presents many relevant cultural and academic practices that bring back memories for those with traditional schooling. Adapted from Frank Wedekind’s 1891 German drama and directly expertly by Megan Bunn, Monumental Theatre Company’s production springs alive with expressive, emotion-filled songs and deals with challenging issues the young characters must confront.
…entertaining and thought-provoking, encouraging audience members to question long-held beliefs.
The musical handles topics very publicly that, in some cases, people would feel uncomfortable discussing honestly in private, including hot-button issues (then as now) of abortion, physical abuse within the family, teen suicide, and controversial sexual topics. Melchoir (played wonderfully by Aidan Joyce) does not believe in God, heaven, or anything at all. “Spring Awakening” presents a world in which thinking differently is condemned and creativity and uniqueness are seen negatively. During class, Melchior questions: “Are you then suggesting there is no further room for critical thought or interpretation?” He is condemned for his efforts. Social conformity is a topic as relevant today as it was when the play was first written.
What makes this musical special is how such a serious drama from the 1800s has seamlessly added an engaging, contemporary score. The great variety of music adds to the appeal of the production for a diverse and young audience as well. It works extremely well with the acting and story itself. “The Word of Your Body” features a marvelous duet between Wendla (played and sung beautifully by Annie Graninger) and Melchior (Aidan Joyce), backed up by the orchestra members to create a sense of romance between the two characters. Moritz, a student who has extreme difficulties keeping up with the academic rigor of an unbending educational system, is portrayed well by Trenton Beavers, who sings a memorable (and prophetic) “And Then There Were None.”
Another lovely song, “Touch Me,” is done in brilliant, abstract choreography by Ahmad Maaty. The lighting design of Doug Delpizzo gives a sensitive touch to the music. Fading from near darkness, tiny beams of light appear in the shape of an arch and move outwards, growing ever wider, towards the audience. The live orchestra, conducted by keyboardist Marika Countouris, creates moods that swing back and forth between the poignant and rebellious in true “Spring Awakening” tradition.
The stage is used in a unique way, with the orchestra behind the stage and set in an arched shape following that of the stage. The scenic designer Laura Valenti creates a church—forlorn, slightly decaying, yet charming. Vines creep up the exposed woodwork behind what once would have been stone walls. The set uses a horseshoe shaped ramp directly in front of the abandoned church. The walls are set with colorful, stained glass-like windows, their light illuminating the stage in various colors and complementing the tone and mood of each scene.
Costumes by Darnell Patrick Morris reflect the time period well, including school outfits with suspenders and morning coats. Long and dark wardrobes are worn by the authoritarian teachers (played to strict effect by Molly Rumberger and Ryan Sellers), who adhere to their extreme academic discipline and rules (“The upper grade, as we know, will hold only 60. I hardly think we can promote 61…”).
While this show is not recommended for children, the production is entertaining and thought-provoking, encouraging audience members to question long-held beliefs.
Running time: Two hours and 15 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: Contains sexual situations, explicit language, depictions of death, simulated acts of violence and intimacy, the use of prop firearms, fog, haze, and strobing lights, as well as mature themes including sexuality, gender identity, physical and/or sexual abuse, abortion, and suicide.
“Spring Awakening” runs through July 24, 2023 presented by Monumental Theatre Company at Ainslie Art Center on the campus of Episcopal High School, 3900 Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22304. For more information and tickets, go online. Masks are not required but encouraged.
