These grown-ups hold their cards particularly close to their chests.
Set in late-nineteenth century Germany, it follows a group of teenagers in their attempts to figure out life despite the fact that their parents and teachers have done everything in their power to keep them in the dark. Needless to say, some handle it better than others. But in the end, it's all tragic.
Despite my usual need for things to end with roses and butterflies, I loved this musical. It was incredible. In fact, my favorite characters were those with the most tragic stories. My heart went to out to Moritz (who was, hands down, my favorite). I hate giving things away for those who haven't had the opportunity to experience something firsthand, so I refuse to write about any major plot points. If you haven't seen it, I think you're missing out. Even if all you can do is watch the pirated videos uploaded on YouTube, it's well worth watching.
I had the opportunity to experience this musical live this past weekend in Dallas. The touring cast for Spring Awakening was, in short, wonderful. I even got to meet one of my celebrity crushes circa ninth grade, Jake Epstein. If you weren't a die-hard Degrassi fan, then you won't know who I'm talking about. He played Craig Manning, who was my favorite character (hence the ensuing crush). But in Spring Awakening, he was playing Melchior, and he did an incredible job. After the show, the cast stood around the lobby accepting donations for Broadway Cares. As I walked up to him with my measly four dollars, I'm not going to lie, I was a little starstruck. I nervously told him that I loved him on Degrassi. He thanked me, looking mildly surprised that I recognized him, seeing as it was a Canadian TV show that he was on over five years ago, and we're in Texas. I felt embarrassed, but in the end I'm glad I had the courage to go talk to him. I would have regretted it otherwise.
And here begins phase one of my obsession with Spring Awakening. No judgement.
