UVic’s Phoenix Theatre opened its doors last week to premiere its interpretation of Spring Awakening, an erotic rock and roll musical based on a German play written in 1891. This adaptation features music from Duncan Sheik, with book and lyrics written by Stevan Sater.
The story takes place in late 19th century Germany and follows a group of teenagers who are struggling with sexual urges and have no guidance navigating these feelings. This is apparent from the very first scene, when one of the main protagonists, Wendla (played by Brigit Stewart), asks her mother where babies come from, only to have her questions avoided and brushed off altogether, which proves to be a deadly mistake.
The teenagers keep their struggles to themselves because of their very religious upbringing, and that’s where Melchior (Jack Storwick) comes in. A fellow student and self-proclaimed atheist, Melchior knows all about sex, and he writes a sexual essay, complete with illustrations, which he gives to his classmate Moritz (Aiden Finn), who is driven to insanity by a plague of erotic dreams. Afterward, a cataclysmic sequence of events occurs, demonstrating the potential horrors caused from a lack of sexual education.
The overall concept of the musical is harrowing, although it wasn’t a two-hour long depression-fest. There are plenty of laughs and lighthearted moments sprinkled in, appropriately. Two of the main actors offering comedic relief were Roan Foshaug and Jenny Robinson, each playing several different characters portraying the stern, sex-fearing adults in the production. The chemistry between Storwick and Stewart was also obvious on stage.
The set and lighting were simplistic, with the stage being separated into two sections with an elevated part held up by scaffolding and some stairs. The use of spotlights was impactful during emotional monologues and solo musical performances.
But there were faults: a fog machine was used for the entirety of the production, which seemed out of place and unnecessary. And while this was an entertaining musical overall, it did seem slightly unpolished. There were, noticeably, a few nerves and jitters, potentially due to it being the opening night. The singing was impressive but there was a wide variety of musical talent, with some singers showcasing stronger performances than others, which was distracting at times.
Still, Spring Awakening offers an interesting perspective on teen sexuality within the confines of a religious upbringing. The performers were extremely invested in their roles and deserve a round of applause for the hard work that was clearly put into this production.
Spring Awakening
Various times, until Saturday, November 26
Various prices, UVic Phoenix Theatre
finearts.uvic.ca/theatre/mainstage/