“Spring Awakening”: Coming of Age…and Talking About It

Posted by Gail M. Burns - February 2010

SPRING AWAKENING: Coming of Age…and Talking About It

Schenectady, NY — Broadway’s most talked about new musical is also one of its biggest Tony Award® Winner in years. The groundbreaking fusion of unanchored morality, raw sexuality, and driving rock sound of SPRING AWAKENING has stirred Broadway like no other musical in years. SPRING AWAKENING will play at Proctors on February 16 – 21 as part of the Key Private Bank Broadway series and also is sponsored by Silhouette Eye Studio.

The show depicts the unforgettable angst that intersects the passage from youth to adulthood with power, poignancy and passion. The plays directness, graphic depictions of sex, and often hard-core language can be a challenge for those uninitiated in the changing mainstream of popular culture and conduct. 


This exciting play draws us into a haunting love story between two young people: they find each other, fall in love, and passionately yearn to be together despite a system that might ultimately defeat them. This is their story. At the same time, we find ourselves spectators in a cautionary tale about what can happen in the absence of adult guidance, compassion and courage.

SPRING AWAKENING entertains and lifts the spirit with its unique set, energetic cast, and authentic rock score. But it also provokes thought and opens the door to conversations between parents and their sons and daughters. Sexuality in a number of its variations is graphically displayed. Just as important, the show draws attention to some of the many pressures placed upon teens to both grow and develop as individuals even as they are required to respond to the societal demands to conform.

In a letter to the show’s producers, one parent wrote on behalf of herself and her 17-year-old son: “…we were quite surprised to get hit with such a cluster of controversial, yet relevant, themes such as atheism and suicide…. The show and its diverse issues generated many a mother/son chat, which can be rare during these trying years. Thank you for having the theater guts to expand the kind of experience families can have together in a Broadway show.”

And from another: “SPRING AWAKENING was wonderful! And it was amazing… It was a ravishing experience. I wish I could have seen it twice. The staging concept was brilliant and the set…well…everything about the show worked to make it dazzle.”

SPRING AWAKENING is sophisticated musical theatre. It provides high-caliber entertainment even as it opens the door to discussion on a full spectrum of relevance—from trend-setting fashions, language-changing argot, and social trends to theatrical impact, motivation and behavioral norms depicted in the shows.

Audiences should come prepared to enjoy this unique theatrical experience. It will entertain, provoke, and satisfy. They also should consider attending the Henry Schaffer Theatre Talk session scheduled following the 8 pm show on February 17.

Audience members are encouraged to ask questions to create a dynamic interaction focused on increasing awareness of and understanding about the show. The Henry Schaffer Theatre Talk series is possible through the support of the Times Union, and is free to ticket holders.

Tickets for SPRING AWAKENING are available now at Proctors Box Office, (518) 346-6204 or online at proctors.org.

Significant discounts on tickets are available for groups of 20 or more. A listing of shows and pricing may be found on proctors.org/group_sales or by contacting Proctors Group Sales at 518-382-3884 ext. 139.

This event is made possible with public funds from The New York State Council On The Arts, a State Agency.

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