Spring Awakening: Reviewed

NYMT Present

Spring Awakening

The Irish Premiere

directed by John Donnelly

I literally couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Friday night than at the theatre, watching a musical. I’ve loved music and musicals since I could hold my head up by myself, and let me tell you this – if God hadn’t given me a voice that would haunt millions (in a Paranormal Activity kinda way, not a Katherine Jenkins kinda way) I would most definitely be a member of some form of musical society. Maybe even NYMT, the theatre company behind Ireland’s first production of Spring Awakening.

Described by many critics and writers as the musical that will define this generation, Spring Awakening is the most unique, groundbreaking and inspiring musical I’ve ever seen.

The original version won a staggering 8 Tony Awards, having been nominated for 11, in 2007 when it was first on Broadway. As soon as I heard it was coming to Ireland, and being made by an entirely Irish cast and production team, I knew I’d be getting tickets.

The Helix was packed last Friday night. People milling around with their programmes in-hand, not knowing fully what sort of musical they were about to witness.

With a backdrop of up-tempo, goosebump inducing rock music, a perfectly apt set and costumes that really brought you back in time, the synopsis went something like this:

Nineteeth-century Germany, a group of school-going teens are on a journey of discovery. Wendla Bergmann (played by the super talented Yasmine Missaoui), a naïve and innocent girl asks her mother for the birds and bees talk, but is mislead, with some unexpected consequences.

Melchior Gabor (played by Ruairi O’Connor), a hugely intelligent and rebellious young student finds love with Wendla, the story centres around his growing relationship with her, as well as his friendship with the nervous and tortured but kind-hearted Moritz Stiefel (Jonny Holden).

Among so many other sub-plots and hilarious scenes, the musical gives a groundbreaking look into such themes as sex, abortion, masturbation, physical and sexual abuse and many others. It’s a really powerful, heart wrenching story that will not let you tear your eyes away for a second.

Genuinely, I have to say, every member of the cast put on a once in a lifetime performance (that I’m sure they are all talented enough to repeat for the entire run) and I had trouble choosing my stand-outs, but I must say, I was seriously impressed by the following  few on the night:

Jonny Holden as Moritz: It could’ve been annoying. It could’ve been awkward to watch. It could’ve been overdone. Holden played an absolute blinder. His performance as Moritz was inspirational, and I almost fell off my chair when I read in my programme that he is 17. If there was ever someone to watch out for in the future, Jonny Holden is that talent.

Emily Carroll as Ilse: I can’t quite put my finger on what this girl did onstage that drew me to her so strongly, all I can put it down to is charisma and of course, outstanding talent.

L-R: Ruairi O'Connor, Yasmine Missaoui, Denis Grindel, Barry Cannon, Fiona Carty

Fiona Carty as Martha: The duet with Emily Carroll for “The Dark I Know Well” was a real heart stopping moment in the show for me. It was such a dramatic and shocking idea that the song dealt with, and the song itself was so powerful – it could’ve easily overshadowed the singing voice of the actors. But a voice like Fiona Carty’s only comes along every so often. The tone and subtle power in her voice is just unbelievable.

Barry Cannon as Georg: Simple as this, I just love his voice. It’s rare that a male voice will stand out so much from the other male voices, but his really does. He’s a super actor too, understated in a fantastic way.

One word to describe the experience of seeing Spring Awakening performed live by Irish talent – phenomenal.

I could literally go on all day about every song, scene, line and expression, but you just have to see it to understand.

If you haven’t seen it, book your tickets now. It’s running until Saturday the 25^th of September, in the Helix in Dublin. For more information visit www.thehelix.ie, or www.nymt.ie. Tickets are €20 with some seats onstage for €15. I’m planning on going a second time. Everyone should see this at least once.

In the meantime, I’m off to download the soundtrack.

Tags: irish talent, music, musicals, nymt, spring awakening, the helix, theatre, tony awards