Spring Awakening
Category: Performing Arts [Edit]
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Theater DistrictEugene O'Neill Theatre
230 W 49th St
New York, NY 10019 (212) 239-6200
- Nearest Transit:
50th St-Broadway (1)
49th St-7th Ave (N, R, W)
50th St-8th Ave (C, E)
- Good for Kids: No
48 Reviews for Spring Awakening
I absolutely loved Spring Awakening. The music is fantastic. The interplay between the setting of 1890s Germany and the contemporary rock music, much of which was written by Duncan Sheik, was fascinating. I found the second half of the play to be extremely upsetting (and tear-inducing). I felt emotionally drained when the play was over....maybe I just needed an excuse for a catharsis or something. But the emotional drain was worth it - these (young!) actors are excellent and do a wonderful job of portraying the frustrations of sexual exploration in a chaste society. The set is also really interesting - it is pretty minimalist, but it amplifies the power of the music with hanging and neon lights.
I would highly recommend Spring Awakening - it was a terrific experience!
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My sister and I were tired from all the tourism. We weren't in the best mood. We had never heard of this play that our mom bought us tickets too and we wanted the NY Broadway experience so bad that we went in already a little disappointed, because we didn't think this was THE play we should be seeing.
We were wrong ( my poor mom).
I was blown away and she was too!
From the very first scene this play took my breath away.
The mood of the set made me feel like I was looking at sepia/timeless photographs. But the themes itself were ones that I could relate to.
Love, Lust, Pain, Innocence, Sin,
I love how theater can use minimal details that allow for the imagination to fill in the scenery.
Lots of wonderful energy in this amazing play!
All seats are good seats here.
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AMAZING! BRAVO! FANTASTIC!!
This was my first broadway experience and thanks to my mom we had third row center tickets!!! The view was amazing and these seats were perfectly positioned to see everything on stage in this old classic style theater in Times Square.
The acting was superb, and I couldn't believe how young some of these actors were! Especially for the mature, sophisticated roles they were playing on stage. Teenage angst and sexual maturation and exploration were the themes of this musical and the music choices and songs that went a long with it were awesome. They had the one kid who was the "emo" kid that always sang emo style songs to complain about everything and all of the other songs were so descriptive of the tone and mood on stage. I won't give away the plot in case you go see it, but it definitely ends much sadder than I thought it would and was much more serious than I thought it would be, so be prepared for that.
Oh ya, and there are some sex scenes, which definitely were way more realistic than I thought they would be on stage and I imagine if I was seeing this with anyone but my boyfriend, it would have been a bit awkward, and even still, we both felt a little awkward at that point in the play...
The added bonus for me was that one of the actors was Carl from LOST!!! And if you are a LOST fan you know how excited that would make you!!
Provocative, witty, imaginative, unique, fun, and worthwhile.
Thanks, Mom!!!
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Spring Awakening caught me by surprise.
Teenage angst at it's best. And you know what that means! Sex and rock & roll fighting it out with societal norms. It takes place in early 1900s, Germany - yet many of the issues they focus on are issues that are still prevalent today.
Progressive. I liked it.
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I find it funny that people go to musicals/plays they know nothing about. I made some friends (some elderly, some young) in the orchestra section of Spring Awakening and they all asked me the same question:
Them: Do you know what this play is about?
Me: It's about sexxx.
Them: How did you get this ticket? Did you go to TKTS?
Me: I got my ticket through a Travel Zoo promo code.
Sexxx. The magic word. All of a sudden I was the most popular girl in the orchestra section. I could see the eyes light up, hear the gasps, and got back the same answer from all, "Oh. That's great." These people were in for a shocker, especially grandma and grandpa.
Spring Awakening was such a good musical. It was filled with so much energy and testosterone. By the third song I was ready to jump on stage and play air guitar. I loved the music (thank you Duncan!) and lyrics through duet. The stage was simple but very effective through use of lighting and use of height through props. By the end of the first scene, Spring Awakening had everyone's heads tilted horizontally if you know what I mean. I don't want to give away too much of the show. Go see it! You'll forget all about Nicole Kidman and Kathleen Turner on Broadway once you see Spring Awakening. The new buzzword will be Jonathan Groff.
Spring Awakening was what I expected Rent to be like. I was not disappointed at all. It's a musical that is edgy, fun, moving, and entertaining. I could definitely see why people are calling Spring Awakening the new Rent. There were already a few Spring junkies in the audience. You should hear them talk. OMFG, one would think Spring Awakening was the big brother of HSM or something. It's okay though. I do hope Spring Awakening has a long run on Broadway and continues to become the phenomenon it already is.
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What can I say, I love it. Mmmm the people sitting behind us didn't like it tho, they said "we pay money to see this?" and then another one said "It certainly is no Mama Mia!"
Boy, me think someone is feeling rather uncomfortable.
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Provocative and not what I expected at all. But after the intermission, you mentally adjust and suddenly, you will find yourself captivated in the gorgeous, eerie music...
This was a FANTASTIC show! I'm a musician, and I don't love Broadway musicals but was really taken by this production. It was very tight, very well written, great music... impeccable performances. Just one downfall... very strange choreography that weaves through the show, hand gestures that don't make much sense. I didn't get it, and it didn't work. But go see it!!!
There's a pretty graphic love-making scene that I wouldn't suggest taking anyone under 16 to see.
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I would have given it five stars if the lead female role wasn't played by the understudy when I had seen the show.
My favorite part was the lighting!! I never imagined that lighting could be done this way! So creative! So beautiful!
I also really liked the message because I can totally relate this to today's Korean-Amerian Christian communities.
Go watch it! Oh and theres a national tour starting soon! I think i'll try to catch it again in LA...hopefully with the lead female actor this time around.
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i actually loved this play the most simply cuz the music was so modern it felt like i was listening to green day perform live with a live band for 2 hours!
yes its raunchy... but u kinda have to look beyond that and really understand what these kids are going through...
music beautfiully written!
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Great= music, acting, everyone is hot
Good=1st half of script
Eh= 2nd half of script
The older I get, the older the fighting against "the man" (societal norms, authority, religion) mentality gets, however I do think that this is a good message to convey to those that have not critically thought about these constructs. We should question everything and not be satisfied until we understand and debate the answers.
I apologize for going off on a tangent. I think the best person to see this with would be your significant other and the worst person to see this with would be your father. Overall the show was very entertaining and worth the money.
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For a play that was banned in the 1800's in Germany I bet the original author never imagined that it would end up outside of the country let alone on Broadway in NYC!
You have to be someone who is a bit of a cynic to enjoy this piece. Definitely about young people coming into their own and dealing with the issues in life that we all still deal with today.
Great music, wonderful acting, and even better each and every time that I have been. The stage has a fairly bare set with no curtain (not like most Broadway shows in NY) minimal costume changes, and more focus and concentration on the words and music (which surprisingly does not take away from the original composition).
Simply put. "Well done."
I'm not a huge Broadway fanatic but so far I have gone to see Spring Awakening 3 times. (once during previews, opening night, once a few weeks into their run with a friend)
Loved the show more each time as I grew more comfortable with the story. Excellent character development, great energy, addicting music.
Probably going on my 4th run soon, will be interesting to see the difference post Tony Awards.
LOVE IT LOVE IT!!
Great conversation piece.
Date Rating: 9
Pick up Scale: 2
Strong Suggestions: If you're conservative this may not be the musical for you... there are boy's kissing, death... etc. Yes apparently people were abusive, gay, and had problems back in the 1800's too! If you want to shake up a conservative friend and watch their reaction you may get more than a chuckle out of it *laughs* but remember you were warned! The storyline is simple, and has not changed much from the original with the addition of songs that do not take away from it at all.
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Oh the critical praise. Oh the eight Tonys. Oh the five-star Yelp reviews.
...and there's no denying the exuberance and high caliber of talent prevalent in the mostly young cast in this ensemble show, but ...but ...but...
Somehow I just wasn't quite as moved by this production as I wanted to be. The concept sounds resonant, a rock music adaptation of Frank Wedekind's controversial 1891 play about the mysteries of sex during a most repressed period of German history. Duncan Sheik's hard-driving music and Steven Sater's often graphic lyrics are not as anachronistic as one would expect for a period piece except when the microphones suddenly appear before the numbers.
I guess what leaves me a bit cold is the episodic nature of Sater's book, which covers the fates of several characters but few with any emotional depth that engaged me. Only three made impressions on me - the intensely insecure Moritz, the intensely explosive Melchior and the intensely curious Wendla. Fortunately, they are played with appropriate feeling by a frizzy-haired firecracker, John Gallagher Jr. (the cast standout); a passionately wild-eyed Jesse Swenson (who understudied Jonathan Groff the evening I went); and an achingly demure Lea Michele respectively. The pivotal sex scene, played twice, is powerful without being erotic.
The music clearly rocks, but there is definitely a pop sensibility that makes you feel you are sometimes at a rock concert directed at Disney Channel 'tweens, i.e., it comes at you like a performance rather than as an extension of the characters. Bill T. Jones' jumpy choreography captures the teen-aged angst pretty well. The staging is minimal but creative...I especially liked the use of the central square serving a number of plot devices throughout. The familiar Christine Estabrook and Stephen Spinella play all the stereotypical adult parts with aplomb.
I left the theater thinking I saw something impressive and impassioned, but it just didn't speak to me as much as it did to other people in the house. There's too much good about it to dismiss as an adolescent "Rent" knock-off, but proceed with caution. The hype may trap you into expectations the show can't possibly match.
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I recommend sitting far left to the stage, as during the sex scene you'll be able to view Wendla's luscious bosom and not a bit of the dude's ass. Thank you, randomized computer seating!
What else am I gonna write that isn't already on Yelp? Uhh, the rest was good. It won a bunch of awards and shit, too.
I want Mortiz's hair.
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I saw this musical when it first premiered in Nov 06 after getting a pair of free tickets as an amateur Broadway 'critic.' I'm glad to see that after a year, the show is still holding strong with continuously positive reviews from musical lovers.
This is not a 'traditional' musical. Do not bring your grandma here for her 75th birthday celebration. On that same token, do not bring your bratty 10 year old brother who shrieks at the sight of skin. Because you will see butt. Plenty of it.
But if you're okay with that, you will be completely taken away by the choreography, acting, and especially the music. I haven't watched a musical this well put together for a long time. There are very few Broadways that I'd watch more than once, but I'd pay to watch this again.
Enjoy the butt :)
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I am already a big Duncan Sheik person (have loved the Buddhist Brown alumnus, discovered by Lisa Loeb, for 11 years and counting). Beyond that, I loved the theater, the adaptation, the raw story, the great young talent, the music, the sad ending. Beware - it's racy; as one audience member stated snidely it's "the perfect play for a 13-16 year old girl". Or not. Wished for more diversity in the audience. It's truly a must-see.
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Went on a recommendation of a friend of a friend.
It was okay - good, not great.
The acting is good, the staging is innovative (some audience members sit on the stage with the actors), the lighting is creative and the musical numbers are well performed.
The first act is much better than the second where it gets fairly predictable and has that sense of "hey kids, let's wrap this thing up!" There are a few good songs but not worth buying the soundtrack for.
Sure, I got a little sentimental. The innocence of the transitional period during the beginning of adolescence resonated with truth. I was reminded of my own painful growing period.
As for the nudity, it is brief. There is one scene that is explicit but everyone keeps their clothes on for the most part. I think it was very tastefully done. I've been to see "Love Valor Compassion" where they bare it all - and frequently. Believe me, this is mild in comparison. It still is good to note for those who are uber sensitive, but its really not the full frontal I've seen before on Broadway.
All in all, it was a good outing and I enjoyed the show. Just isn't on the top of my list.
Fine if you are twenty something for the following reasons:
1) Pop rock musical that is not a derivative and attempts to do something different by using a Wedekind play.
2) Most of the cast is actually singing (as opposed to screaming). Generally high talent level.
Re: the show:I was underwhelmed, generally, and not moved, which is the fault of the show, not the talent. Very distracting that the Broadway direction has added "applause space" after the musical fabric. It is generally disruptive, interrupts the flow of the action and is not organic to the forward motion of the plot and concept.
Otherwise, it remains an off-Broadway production masquerading as a bigger show, is not ground breaking in the way Hair was (which created a genre), and has a totally forgettable score. But every generation has its "coming of age" touchstone.
Not worth the Broadway price tag, since the Broadway show strives to re-create the intimacy of the off Broadway space by filling up the stage picture with an "audience" on 3 sides of the stage. Better solution: stay off Broadway, hire a second cast, do 2 shows per day. Result: more actors working, no need to rebuild the set (saving mucho dollars), keep tickets at a reasonable price so more people in the target market can actually afford to see the show, inspire some
out of the box thinking. But producers don't care about artistic value, even if it means the money will still roll in. Too bad.
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I wanted to love this show, I really did. I'd been waiting to see it for months and finally got amazing tickets (I sat a few seats down from Tom Hanks and his family :). So I was a bit sad when I left the theatre feeling a bit underwhelmed and disappointed.
I was looking forward to a provocative storyline, but it was a hodgepodge of sex-related issues (e.g. how to make babies, homosexuality, wet dreams, abuse, etc.) with a little gratuitous nudity thrown into the mix. The show really lacked an arc.
The cast was talented and made up of strong singers, but only one performer -- John Gallagher Jr. who played Moritz -- truly stood out and reached a level of awesomeness that can be compared to the likes of Idina Menzel. He performed his heart out, and he was captivating.
I liked some of the songs, but overall, I didn't love the music. I think my dissatisfaction came down to 1) there not being a strong hook in the score and 2) the lyrics being a bit self-indulgent (more effusive and allegorical, less contextual and correlated with what was happening in the scene).
Whoever did the lighting was brilliant and worked his/her butt off.
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I saw Spring Awakening in previews and was blown away. The music, the concept, the actors were all tremendous. Not your "normal" Broadway show mind you. So, if you live in a box-don't go. Go see the Lion King (not that it's not good, but just more PG) instead.
I even listen to the music from the show on my ipod when I'm running. Well, that and NPR.
What can I say?
I'm a former cheerleader turned nerd.
Word.
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Hated it. It felt like Dawson's Creek: The Musical. I feel sorry for those people sitting in the front row as the guy who plays Melchior Gabor has a tendency of spitting while singing.
There's only 2 memorable songs (It's a bitch... and When you're fucked) and everything else is meh. People have been saying it's not a traditional musical, blah blah blah. It's not avant-garde theater as well. It's like the WB decided to create a musical. So if you wanna see a show about high school kids having sex while conversing in the original 19 century language and then suddenly start rocking out to mediocre ballads this is the show for you. Everyone else steer clear of it.
The only plus side is that the actors are talented. The night I saw it Lea Michele (the girl who plays Wendla) tripped and hit by a pneumatic floor that opened and closed depending on the scene. No one thought anything of it until 5 minutes later they stop the play and everyone walks out of the stage. Needless to say, it must have hurt since 10 minutes later she comes out with a bandage on her foot.
Grats for going on with the show.
I'm surprised that I never wrote a review for this when I went to go see it. Perhaps because I didn't think you could write reviews on Yelp for a theatre performance. Anywho, I saw this awhile ago, and I have to say, out of all of the shows I've seen -- which werent THAT many -- Spring Awakening is at the top. Apparently I haven't seen that many to actually consider something else to be at the top, however, seeing Gypsy with Patti LuPone was neck-and-neck with Spring Awakening. Its just one of those shows that gives me chills down my spine. The music, the acting, the impeccable singing. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Everyone should go see it at least once... or twice... or even three times if you can. Duncan Sheik did the music, and my favorite song that played was... I believe song number 14? I don't remember, but its Don't Do Sadness, and its perhaps the best song of the show.
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This was the first broadwayshow I ever saw. The theaterplace is awesome, and tkts gave me tickets on the mezzanine front row, great. The singing was very good and original, loved the songs. I found the story sad and not very original, but the actors were very good!
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Confessions of a musical theater geek and music nerd... This play was my wet dream.
One of the best musicals I have ever seen. With a score by Duncan Sheik it is the best rock music in a musical since Hedwig. John Gallager Jr. was amazing as was the rest of the cast. Sexy and full of energy. I loved the choreography as well. I hear it will be touring in the next year or so and will def see it again in SF. But if you are in NYC you must hit it up with the original bway cast as they will blow you away.
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So my friend and I are standing outside of TKTS figuring out which show to buy tixs for. A lady interrupts our convo recommending Spring Awakening stating, "You are young...you'll like it." Ohhkaay...instead of opting for Spamalot, we bought tixs for S. Awakening...big mistake
For a Tony-award winning musical, I was surprised. Seems like all you have to do is show some ass on a wooden stage to earn the badge of "pushing the envelope." Puhleeze. I wanted to like this musical, really, I did. But the story line was lacking in originality. The plot was all too familiar and brutally cliche. I think it's also important to note that the best stories leave the conclusions/judgments up to their audience. Spring Awakening felt like I was being force-fed a message that I needed to accept: authority = bad, sex= natural, good, religion= bad/fanatics at their worst. Instead of a black n' white message, it would have been nice to see some complexity/ambiguity in the storyline... ultimately leaving some intelligent thought up to the viewer.
On a better note, the cast, especially Moritz, is young, energetic and talented. The music was very contemporary (nicely contrasting the 1800 German setting) with racy lyrics. Still though, the music was so loud, I couldn't always hear what the singer was saying. Honestly, I think this play is better suited for the 13-17 yr. old audience.
Yes... the hair on the back of my neck stood up when I watched this show... I saw this back in November. I was really touched by how great the music was. And the actors were very good in their role. Storyline is very creative and intriguing and a bit sad... But wow, what a great show and now that it's won all those Tony Awards... I'm so glad I saw this. Highly recommended!
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I saw this last Winter and had great seat for a Saturday Matinee...thank god for student tickets. We hadn't any idea at the time what Spring Awakening was all about, actually saw reviews since we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn right near the theater. Thank you for having a holiday party in the city and hooking us up by letting us stay overnight. Its a beautiful thing. Anyway, this was one of the best musicals I have ever seen. It is a modern take with the best music. Duncan Sheik really outdid himself. The actors are amazing and even the story isn't too shabby. It can be seen as a little risque, but honestly its not offensive in any sort of the way.
If you want a great modern musical with a great cast, wonderful music you have to see Spring Awakening. I also highly recommend buying the CD, fantastic.
MWAH!!!!
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I guess someone has to be the contrarian. A friend of mine and I saw this a few months ago and thought it was pretty good, but were generally underwhelmed. A couple of good songs, but the only one I really remember is "Totally Fucked". We paid full price and felt it really wasn't worth it, and had much more memorable experiences at PS 1, and seeing a show at the Japan Society the next day. Seemed like a better musical in theory than in practice.
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Recommended for: Fun theatrical experience, live entertainment.
Performance 5, Music 6, Plot/Story 5.
I haven't been to a musical in awhile, and boy am I glad my friend, the awesome Audrey J. chose this one. The cast is young, lively and full of energy - belting out song after song with dance and pizazz.
With music from Duncan Sheik, you know its good, and I stayed seated but kept wanting more and more and more. Odd, how it was paired with a play written in 1891, even more that the play had some "provocative scenes" (oh my virgin eyes).
The story revolves around a few characters and their lives as they go from one grade to the next. Studying for exams, learning about relationships and fulfilling "wicked" desires (or at least wicked during this Victorian period of time).
This is a musical you can see with family, friends or a date, and with each group you're sure to have a great time.
Sean Approved: Definitely YES!
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Run don't walk. I saw SA while in its Off bway run at the Atlantic theater company and was blown away-then I became obsessed. I have seen it 6 times since then and plan to go again. I have sat everywhere including the onstage seating. I LOVE this musical and I am not really a musical type person. John Gallagher Jr, Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff are the three leads although this is a very strong ensemble cast.
My favorite moment in the show is mirror blue night-the song, choreography and lighting all come together and make it so special-oh and totally f****D is awesome as well. Take your friends, parents and have a conversation after-wards.
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This is one of the best musicals I've seen in ages. It's right up there with Avenue Q.
With music by Duncan Sheik, based on a play by Frank Wedekind written in 1891, it's an all-around hit.
For a play that's over 100 years old, the themes are surprisingly modern. It deals with teenage sexuality, abortion, morality... all the things we kids deal with growing up these days.
Unless you have an exceptionally open relationship with your parents, I wouldn't recommend going with them. It's emotionally heart-wrenching and I'd be sure to bring a box of tissues, but it's worth the pain for the greatness of the story. There is a bit of nudity, as well, so young kids probably shouldn't go.
All the actors are pretty much unknowns, but the producers managed to find some awesome talent. Lea Michele stands out above the rest with her pure, sweet voice. Her presence made every scene she was in just that much better.
Another cool thing about the show is that you can get tickets to sit on the stage. And they're cheaper too! It's not a full view, but it gives you a different perspective. I've seen it once from the house, but I plan to go back and get stage seats soon.
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OMG.. LOVED IT! So, I like plays and musicals, but if they don't wow me, then its hard for me to make it through the 2-2 1/2 hrs that follow. I constantly wanted more and more from this show and fell in love with it, song after song. The cast was amazing and the songs were so great. I loved it even more that the woman sitting next to me seemed uncomfortable during some of the songs and her clapping variated depending on the scene. I would like to think that she was from a farm somewhere in PA, but who knows. Anyway, it's AMAZING!!!
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Two Good Words: Yay Nudity!
Two Bad Words: Script Change
First of all, I want to say that I think the music of this work is the best part about it. There are passionate singers on that stage, and there is talent to spare on all fronts. However, after reading the original script from Franz Weidekind I think I'll be a big asshole and tell you that the ending is not the same as the one on the stage. This is not a spoiler, because I'm only telling you what's in the book, and I won't tell you anything that will ruin the musical. Again, I'm being an asshole, but I thought there was stuff missing that I wanted to see...
In the Play (not the musical)
1. There are many teachers, all of which have crazy names like skinnytum, bonebreaker, and other monsterous nomenclatures. I really wanted to see that put onstage, but was dissapointed when i got a sparse picture.
2. In the end of the play version, there is a man in a mask who appears, and talks to melchior about life, and the cause and effect of what has happened.
3. Ilse is a hooker in the play, and she is a hippie in the musical. I actually like the choice they made for the production and thought it fit well, and the actress who plays ilse in the musical is incredible, but just to point out.
As other reviewers have pointed out, the debate of this show is the main reason to go, because it has been controversial in every showing. Decide for yourself whether you like it or not, because I think it is a great evening. But do NOT go with your MOM! I did, and when Melchior's supple buttocks came out in full view, my intermission conversation with my mom went something like this:
me: great show so far.
mom: oh yes.
me: ilse is fantastic, and man, they are taking a lot of risks up there.
mom: yeah. ilse is great.
me: yeah.
mom: yeah.
(pause)
me: I'm gonna...go see if they have CD's.
mom: Ok. get me a diet coke?
me: Ok.
come for the music, leave with visions of masturbation, melchior and moritz, and a very awkward discussion with mom.
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This was the best musical I've seen in years. I'd recommend it to anyone as I saw it with my sisters, my Dad & his wife and we all have different tastes and loved it. It really touched us all. A good indication is that my sister & I can fall asleep in any situation and were both wide awake for the entire production. The music was amazing as stated in all these reviews and the storyline was very current, surprising when you consider it was written pre-1900. Go see this.
WOOP WOOP on winning the TONY award!!
this show is the freshest thing on broadway since rent and avenue q..
risque, passionate, blunt, standing ovation worthy
kudos to duncan shiek on the music
risk: remember "rent-heads".. this thing might just become the next NYC addiction
reward: being cultural is a blast at this new big thing on broadway
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This was show #1 (of 6) that I saw during my week in Manhattan and the only reason I saw it was cause was one of the few shows that wasn't dark on a Monday night.
Needless to say I wasn't expecting to like the show, let alone love it. I ended up buying the soundtrack on Amazon.com I like it so much. I will agree with everyone and state it is not for everyone. Especially anyone who has issues with swearing, partial nudity, & lewd gestures. Yes lewd, a guy simulating masturbating on stage while singing ("My Junk") would definitely be considered lewd in most circles. It also isn't a typical musical where people just start randomly singing for no reason what so ever for the sake of singing (instead of talking). In this show, the songs reflect what the characters are things and all action pauses when a person starts singing.
This show has been an 8 year labor of love and Leah Michelle has been with it since the beginning. She really is fantastic as Wendla but my favorite character is Moritz. He's wonderfully brought to life by John Gallagher, Jr. He brings so much emotional depth to the character that you really feel his confusion over what is happening to him. I especially love that his hair reflects his inner turmoil as the show progresses. I asked him about the hairstyles in the cause they seemed too modern for late 19th century, but apparently punk is older than I thought. The director showed them pictures of kids running out with the strange hairstyles and said that's what he wanted them to look like.
The set is minimalistic and it is geared more towards the TRL generation/Gen Xers than the typical Broadway musical audience.
This show also holds a special place in my heart because it's where I met my Broadway buddy for the week. I met this Quebecois singer, Bernard, who had seen the show and was talking to some people about his website. We started talking while waiting for the cast to come out and he showed me his fuzzy orange book (Avenue Q). Four days later he wins me lottery tickets to Wicked after I had gone every single day I was there. It's so much more fun to go see a show with someone vs going solo.
UPDATE 5/15/07 Nominated for 11 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, & Best Performance by a Featured Actor (John Gallagher, Jr)
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It's a show that tells a fun and at times emotional story. The music is fantastic and the stars are great. How could you not love a musical with songs like The Bitch of Living or Totally Fucked! There are even seats on stage for those who want to have an up close and personal view with the cast who actually sit among the audience on stage. I recommend this show for people who enjoy Rent and Avenue Q... its definitely for a mature audience and not the best for children! It might be hard to get tickets now that it has won 8 TONY's.
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Sadly, the plot starts to lift and steadily drop in the kitchen sink just near the end. But it's worth it for the staging, the acting, the lyrics, the music, and the unfettered creativity which just won't leave you be. Nothing about this play feels staid or hollow. Every kid on stage totes around a microphone, and inner monologues of song abound. Yeah, you should probably see it.
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This has become my FAVORITE musical and is one of the BEST I have seen in a long time. I can't believe I wasn't about to watch it because they ran out of student rush ticket and I didn't want to fork the extra 30 bucks for TKTS. Boy, am I glad I did! Even if you can't get half price tickets it is still worth the full price, down to the penny.
Like Nicole said, you might not want to bring certain people because of the themes, but it's very artist and not distasteful in any way.
No musical lover will be disappointed. The acting, directing, singing, and EVERYTHING was just superb! Their soundtrack is a MUST!
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