This eight time Tony Awards' winner and highly talked about musical, Spring Awakening, has been getting great admiration from critiques as the production brings a creative revolt by featuring deaf and hearing stage actors. And this does not only bring electrifying music but it also stresses the use of sign language.
According to Time, Daniel N. Durant, one of the deaf actors who portray Moritz Stiefel, he's impressed as how the whole production brings into the stage deaf characters like him. Spencer Liff's choreography was a great factor in reinventing it by using American Sign Language throughout the whole show. "We were able to push the boundaries, of turning signing into dance. What we learned were tools that enable us as a company to move together and think together." as Liff also added during an interview. Other deaf actors that were casted are Sandra Mae Frank who plays the lead female act of Wendla Begmann and Austin P, McKenzie, a hearing actor, who plays the role of Melchior Gabor. The Washigton Post also cited that the production put a great emphasis on vocal performance as the hearing actors belt out the songs for their characters.Other cast members of this year's Spring Awakening includes Krysta Rodriguez, Andy Mientus, Marlee Matlin and Camryn Manheim.
Spring Awakening is based on Frank Wedekind's play which presents a story about a group teenager who struggles as they start to discover their sexual awareness. This rock musical also tackles different issues like suicide, abortion and sexual abuse. Steven Sater works on the script and lyrics. While Duncan Sheik worked as the composer.
Everything was put into life with their director, Michael Arden, who really did well in presenting new and innovative component in the show. Hunter Arnold together with Ken Davenport, Cody Lassen and the Deaf West Theater produced this new musical revival. Carol F. Doran led the hair and wig design together with Dane Laffrey for the scenic and costume design.
This classic musical premiered last September 8 and is now extended until January 24, 2016. The show can be seen at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre as reported by Playbill Vault.
