Post Gazette: Art can be risky or risque, classical or contemporary, or all of those at once, as in the case of "Spring Awakening." The risque part caused the initial buzz when it clocked into Broadway, and the timeless message and award-winning songs keep it ticking.
The 1850s German play of the same name, about coming-of-age teens coping with clueless abusive adults, was banned in its own time.
3 comments:
I believe bringing "risky" productions like Spring Awakening to community theatre is an absolutely wonderful thing. As the theatre industry is changing, I feel it is so important for not only the Broadway community to experience it but those who may not have access to that community. Spring Awakening does raise issues that are extremely viable to a younger audience, once you look past the bold raunchiness of the production. I hope to get out to see this!!!!!
A constant struggle for theaters is attempting to obtaining the attention of the younger generations. High schools everywhere that have any art program are certain to have at least a handful of spring awakening fanatics. Putting a character in the show is a perfect opportunity draw the crowds in. This is a brilliant opportunity to open up big theatre opportunities to the young talent that resides in high schools everywhere. As for it being a risky show because it discusses some controversial content. actions such as adrianne having her spring awakening poster taken down because its "mature content" is completely ridiculous. a poster of 2 people singing is mature content then what about the holiday tradition of watching Jesus being crucified? (for the record, not trying to hate on any religions just making an argument)
While I agree that having shows with characters is useful for gathering audiences, and that posters with people singing aren't exactly controversial, it is necessary to understand that a private, Catholic high school may have qualms about unwed teenagers having sexual awakenings, or in the case of the original play, rape. Also, I would assume that the Catholic Church would not have Jesus being crucified at a Christmas pageant, and I'm unaware of any Good Friday pageants in existence. Anyway, I am also excited that Spring Awakening is being performed by Pittsburgh Musical Theatre, and I love that they are casting local, high school-aged talent in a show about high school-aged kids.
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