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Kent —
If you already love the Tony Award-winning pop-rock musical “Spring Awakening,” or you’ve yearned to see it, now is the time.
The production playing Wednesday through Sunday at Kent State University is terrific in all aspects — acting, singing, choreography, lighting, costumes, set and band. I’ve experienced “Spring Awakening” on Broadway and in two national tours, and this KSU version is of similar caliber.
Michael Rupert, a Tony Award-winning actor, has directed the skilled student cast with precision and imagination. Rupert’s innovations in staging enhance the storytelling and heighten the story’s emotional pull.
“Spring Awakening” focuses on frustrated, naive teenagers and their oppressive parents and teachers in 1890s Germany, but the issues raised — budding sexuality, pregnancy, suicide,
academic pressure — feel timely. The propulsive musical score by Duncan Sheik underscores the contemporary parallels.
While there’s not a weak performance, the leading players deserve special kudos: Michael Glavan as the rebellious seducer Melchoir; Jesse Markowitz as the vulnerable yet fierce Moritz; and Meredith Kochan as the curious, awakening Wendla. Tracee Patterson is perfection playing all the adult female roles.
For tickets and information, call 330-672-2497.
If you already love the Tony Award-winning pop-rock musical “Spring Awakening,” or you’ve yearned to see it, now is the time.
The production playing Wednesday through Sunday at Kent State University is terrific in all aspects — acting, singing, choreography, lighting, costumes, set and band. I’ve experienced “Spring Awakening” on Broadway and in two national tours, and this KSU version is of similar caliber.
Michael Rupert, a Tony Award-winning actor, has directed the skilled student cast with precision and imagination. Rupert’s innovations in staging enhance the storytelling and heighten the story’s emotional pull.
“Spring Awakening” focuses on frustrated, naive teenagers and their oppressive parents and teachers in 1890s Germany, but the issues raised — budding sexuality, pregnancy, suicide,
academic pressure — feel timely. The propulsive musical score by Duncan Sheik underscores the contemporary parallels.
While there’s not a weak performance, the leading players deserve special kudos: Michael Glavan as the rebellious seducer Melchoir; Jesse Markowitz as the vulnerable yet fierce Moritz; and Meredith Kochan as the curious, awakening Wendla. Tracee Patterson is perfection playing all the adult female roles.
For tickets and information, call 330-672-2497.
