'Spring Awakening': A young classic

MANILA, Philippines - The unexpected sky-rocketing success of Spring Awakening in the US occurred almost right after it garnered creators Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater not only a Tony, but a Grammy along with it.

Before that, the musical play had already developed a dedicated following among Broadway buffs. Nominated for eight Tony Awards the year it was released, it won in all of those categories, including Best Musical. Marking its Broadway debut in 2006, Spring Awakening is already being touted as this generation’s Rent, and is well on its way to becoming recognized as a classic despite its young age.

Not a theater geek? Then this production will definitely transform you into one.

It is the first time Spring Awakening is being staged locally, as presented by Atlantis Productions. Those familiar with the company have most probably seen its more recent endeavors, the latest one being The 25th Putnam County Spelling Bee. They also performed Hairspray last year, as well as the renowned hit Avenue Q.

This year, they are celebrating their tenth anniversary. Their efforts to keep musical theater alive have been highly lauded; they are also acclaimed for treating their adaptations with loyalty and care. Chari Arespacochaga, who helped direct Avenue Q, directs this current production.

Spring Awakening features an engaging tale of teenagers in love, but not quite as we all have seen it before. First of all, it originated from a German play of the same title. Set in late-19th century Germany, the focus of the musical is on a group of teenagers discovering the good, the bad and the ugly concerning sexuality.

Although it might not be wise to bring young children along for the ride, teenagers and adults are more than welcome. It is as much of an adventure, a laugh riot, and a gripping romance for adolescents as it is for parents, who can either enjoy their own flashbacks of youth or put themselves in the shoes of the relatable adult characters in the story.

The songs are a major testament to the musical’s brilliance. It opens with the haunting solo Mama Who Bore Me, sung pleadingly by one of the main characters (Wendla Bergmann). There are electrically-charged dance numbers balanced by a myriad of poignant ballads. As a rock musical, the true colors of the production shine in songs like Totally ****ed (an indication of how mature its themes get at times) and Don’t Do Sadness/Blue Wind — both the results of a full-on collision between pent-up energy and teenage rebellion, with shades of punk rock.

The tunes tend to embed themselves in your head, and even though at times the lyrics may come across as vague, the numbers enjoy seamless transitions from scene to scene.

All the actors definitely deserve praise for having mastered singing, dancing, acting, speaking in German accents, singing with American accents, and somehow being able to pull their microphones seemingly out of thin air every time a musical number begins.

The younger but nevertheless experienced cast members, led by Joaquin Valdez and Kelly Lati, slip into their blissfully unaware teenage personas, showing remarkable restraint until, of course, it’s their turn to sing. At that point, they demonstrate their utmost prowess in vocal gymnastics.

The younger cast also includes Nar Cabico, Bea Garcia, Yanah Laurel, Nicco Manalo (superb in his role as Moritz), Inno Martin, Miguel Mendoza, Ava Santos, JC Santos and Sitti.

Making up the adult cast are musical theater veterans Checka Iñigo (back from a 25-year hiatus) playing the female adults and Jett Pangan as the male adults. Yes, those are meant to be plural. The two engage audiences as a duo alternating as terrifying teachers and concerned parents. Despite only slight changes in costume, the segregation of characterizations is instantly noticeable; even they get to have their own fun romping around the stage.

Rarely does lighting provide such an enhancement to the theater experience. But in Spring Awakening’s case, it would most likely feel empty without the rotating beams emanating from bulbs overhead, shifting colors at barely a moment’s notice and injecting even more zest into the choreography. The lights set the mood for every scene: the most chilling effect is a spotlight that slowly shrinks as a single character enacts a heart-rending moment.

Spring Awakening is a culmination of sheer collective effort, the last new production of Atlantis before Putnam County starts up again in December. With weekend showings until Oct. 18 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati, the almost weekly rekindling of sensual urges may spur on one’s own personal revelations.

For tickets and playtimes, call 892-7078 or 840-1187.