Spring Awakening

I went to Spring Awakening a couple of weeks ago in New York. It was still in previews, but what I have heard they haven't changed much. Now it just got glowing reviews in every critique. Though I did love a lot of things about it, I do have to say that my review of it isn't as glowing . I have much to say about it. I wanted to write a review of it earlier, but I haven't had time or the thought process to do so.

First off the music is beautiful. If you have the chance - check out the cd. There are so many songs that are so beautiful and extraordinary. Though I didn't leave the theatre singing a lot of the songs, I have listened to the songs non-stop since I got the cd. It's so haunting, lyrical, and the vocals are so tight; I love them.

I understand what their (meaning the directors and creators) were doing, but I have to digress. I was so taken aback by a couple of the scenes. Maybe I am a prude (I usually don't categorize myself as that) or maybe it's the point of the show, but the sex in this show was so blatant. I really felt the direction was off, in my humble opinion. I did not like the sex. I understand they were talking and singing about sex but do I really need to see it?? Part of why I love theatre is because you can imagine things. That's the main reason I still see Broadway shows is because imagination is such a key element to the process of watching a show. Spring Awakening left you with no such thing in regards to sex. It was there - you saw it and you saw a lot of it. Too much. It crossed a line for me. I would never take my child or teenager to this show even though it has so many wonderful ideas. I think it's a great idea for parents to talk to their teenagers about sex and have an open dialogue about it. Why is it appropriate for them to watch it though? There has to be some boundaries some where right? "Sex communication" has obviously been an issue for so many years (as proved in this show since it is set in Germany in 1891) and it hasn't changed much. I think this show was in the right direction but got off the beaten path (no pun intended).

You should check out the music. The performers in this show were fresh; their voices beautiful; their acting was raw. I loved the new approach to Broadway. I love the fact they are using "pop" music that could be on the radio on Broadway again. I love that a "pop" star was involved in this process. I love that Broadway embraced a new show that has NOTHING to do with a stupid movie. I love all of that. I even want to support it even though I obviously have some major "beefs" with it. Broadway needs this voice and it will change musical theatre. I just wish I was left to imagine some things instead of being force fed sex. They left nothing to fantasize.