After seeing this remarkable production on Thursday night, I returned for an encore performance. Since it’s my favorite show, I knew I couldn’t just see it once, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to see it again.
Some random observations:
I got actual goosebumps during “Mama Who Bore Me (Reprise)” and “The Song of Purple Summer” tonight; the sound mix for that particular number was beyond perfect. (Also, I was very hard on the sound design and execution in my previous review, and perhaps unjustly. I was very gently reminded that they, too, are students and they are still learning, and that is a fair and important message that was received loud and clear. That said, in over ten years of attending productions at CCM, the sound has been consistently problematic. It was better tonight, though, for sure.)
In my previous review, I failed to mention the through-line and thematic overlay of “nature” in the stage, the costumes, and the approach. There was just so much to say that I neglected to comment on this, but I wanted to make it clear that Hannah M. Ryan’s vision was clearly realized. I hope that this is the beginning of a long relationship between CCM and Ryan.
Another thing: My friend Douglas pointed out that this is probably the first time he’s ever seen the show, and the character of “Ilse” makes any sense. That’s a director who knows what she’s doing, but SJ Nelson executes the vision so well in her performance thanks to specific body language and the attitude with which she carries herself.
Grace Rusnica (“Wendla”) is a megastar just waiting for the right time and right place.
It was fun to revisit the powerhouse vocal duo of SJ Nelson and Julia Schlick from The Carnegie’s “Rent” during Ilse and Martha’s duet, “The Dark I Know Well.”
I cried big tears during the funeral scene again tonight; the varied - and realistic reactions - of the cast to the moment were incredibly moving.
When I saw the photo online, I initially hated Moritz’s butterfly shirt. But then I saw it live and in context, and it was beautiful. (See above re: nature.)
Finally, for these seniors, this is likely the last time I’ll see them, at least for a while. I want to be on record stating that this generation of talent is not only stellar on stage but are gracious, grateful, and kind off-stage as well. My favorite part of writing about theatre, especially at CCM, is watching young talent develop and go on to do big things. I’m a pretty good judge of character, and most of these young people have their focus in the right place.
SPRING AWAKENING at UC-CCM has one more performance on Sunday at 2 pm. There seemed to be tickets available for walkup purchase tonight so take your chances and see this masterpiece before it closes!