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Kent Trumbull theatre ‘Spring Awakening’ has serious tone
By Eric McCrea
Champion
When Franz Wedekind wrote “Spring Awakening” in 1891, it was considered controversial for its strong adult content. Although today’s audience has a higher tolerance for shock value, the controversy still is prevalent.
Kent Trumbull Theatre’s “Spring Awakening” (the nonmusical) is the story of young teenagers dealing with pubescent curiosity and confusion while being oppressed by adults, including parents who are too prudish to speak of the natural changes involved with becoming adults.
Melchior and Wendla, played by Daniel Parsons and Hannah Gillespie, are two school friends who have a few violent encounters bringing on unexpected and tragic consequences. Wendla seeks guidance from her mother (Emma Wason) while Melchior is tutoring the other schoolboys in the art of being a man. Wendla’s curiosity about the unspeakable parts of life is piqued when a friend makes a startling confession, leading her close to the edge. Meanwhile, Moritz, played by Jacob Glosser, is handling his own demons. Melchior’s mother (Barb Kline Perry) finds herself in a tough spot when her son’s fate is on the line.
This production as a whole had a very serious tone, which is understandable given the serious nature of the script. Director Daniel Raymond Nadon adorned the adult characters with masks, symbolizing their ties to the social order, and effectively creating a generational demarcation.
Other experimental scenes were Hansey’s dream sequence, brought to life by Dylan White and Emilia Sherin, and conference of teachers, which opens the second act and features Cheri Busko, Cordell Ramsey, Edward Jordan and Shane Glaeser. Impressive music selection gave this show real atmosphere, aided by great lighting and an interesting set.
Parsons and Gillespie gave admirable performances as a severely star-crossed duo. Parsons was innocent and twisted all in one. Gillespie played young and naive with a flair and stirring at her hardest times.
Perry was strong and nuanced as Mrs. Gabor, and Wason impressed with her delicate yet harsh Mrs. Bergmann. Gage Perry was delightful as Fetch. Also worthy of note was Glosser as Melchior’s troubled sidekick Moritz, and Sherin as the vulnerable and scared Martha.
Originally written in German and translated by Jonathan Franzen, the dialogue is tedious at times. There was a lack of energy in the show, perhaps because of the dark heaviness in the plot. Because of this, the cast was able to breathe life into the story, but not into the words. This Expressionist icon piece had plenty of opportunity for fantastic and extravagant creativity, but generally fell short. Most of the show lacked drama and animation.
“Spring Awakening” at 4314 Mahoning Ave. NW in Warren runs Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and today and next Sunday at 3 p.m. For reservations, call 330-675-8887.