Touch(ed) Me: Why 'Spring Awakening' Needs Tony Recognition | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Touch(ed) Me: Why 'Spring Awakening' Needs Tony Recognition

Utterly spectacular.

18
Touch(ed) Me: Why 'Spring Awakening' Needs Tony Recognition

On a brisk December afternoon, my sister and I experienced, truly, one of the most beautiful works of art in New York City's Brooks Atkinson Theatre. It has remained close to my heart (and tear ducts), and needs to be awarded its due in the 70th Annual Tony Awards.

Deaf West's "Spring Awakening," directed by Michael Arden, seamlessly brings together hearing and deaf performers to tell the poignant story of teenagers discovering themselves sexually and personally in 19th century Germany. The cast, led by Austin McKenzie and Sandra May Frank, is exquisite. and when I look back on those two and a half hours in the theater (which I do quite a bit), I get goosebumps.

Deaf actors in the show were paired with a hearing actor, who took on their oral voice as both deaf and hearing actors sign. Even more, they bore the role of the character's conscience, fleshed out for the audience to see. Katie Boeck stood by Sandra May Frank—Wendla Bergmann’s—side throughout the entirety of their time on stage. Boeck's lulling and powerful voice, paired with Frank's haunting portrayal of the naive, curious and tragic Wendla will forever remain one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed.

In total, each performance was one that produced a complete movement of the audience. It was clear just how much love each cast member had for what they were doing; in looks that they gave one another on stage, in their facial expressions, in the choreography and in the force behind each sign. Let's be real: I'm already sub-par at making choices and selecting favorites. I didn't have one favorite performer or moment, because each second that anyone spent on stage was very special and will always be cherished by me. But this was a passion project, kickstarted by director Michael Arden and fiancé Andy Mientus, also playing the cynical and sly Hanschen. The tangibility of that drive alone enlivened the stage.

The show is backed by a rockin' (literally) score, which revs the crowd in songs like "Bitch of Living" and "Totally F*cked," the latter of which was the 11 o'clock song in a show definitely not in need of one. But one of my favorite scenes was "The Mirror-Blue Night." The use of finger lights, choreography and Austin McKenzie's honest dictating of his character Melchoir's thoughts blew me over the edge. (On a fan-girl note, I know I'm not the first to say how much I appreciate him as a performer. He went to school for special education, and this show fell into his lap when he auditioned as an interpreter and was instead called back to audition for a lead. He has stepped into the light so flawlessly, and his voice is otherworldly.)

Theater holds the power to make us feel something, as the major players in this story try to find in themselves. I see this revival as a gateway to opportunity, for anyone and everyone. Ali Stroker, playing the role of Anna, is the first person in a wheelchair to ever be on Broadway. My jaw actually dropped upon hearing that, because I had taken for granted the notion that someone before her had done so. The 21st century finally made it happen. Really, though, it goes further to illustrate just how progressive this show is and how easy it will make it for communities to collide.

And not necessarily just in theater: it just goes to prove what has always been true, which is that we are all one in the same and, despite differences, have every ability to fuse as one.

It was a privilege to witness this revival of "Spring Awakening" and each person involved in it. I’m a guilty one to say I have been so touched. The feelings I get from each show I see are warm and fuzzy ones, and this performance, especially, left me with a perpetual speechlessness. I want so badly for it to be recognized accordingly at this year's Tony Awards.

Hopefully, one day all will know.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
school of business
CIS Markets

Coming from someone majoring in business at a school that thrives off of business majors, I know how rough it can be sometimes. Being a business major can be awesome, and awful, simultaneously. We work our tails off to be the best, but sometimes the stress can just tear you apart. Here are some struggles faced by business majors that will sound all too familiar.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College

10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.

848
campus
Pexels

Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

1536
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

4191
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

18176
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments