By Harrison Lorenzen
Duncan Sheik combined forces with Steven Sater to take a late 19th-century play about teen angst and sexual frustration turn it on its head. Combining rock music with an 1891 play by German author Frank Wedekind, Spring Awakening has crowds humming along to the beautiful music before realizing the dark natures of the songs they’re hearing and characters they are watching.
On stage now at the Hobby Center for the Arts, Theater Under the Stars Houston brings audiences an incredibly well-crafted performance of Spring Awakening. Striking a great balance between new and old, with an industrial backdrop and rock lighting contrasting period-style costumes and set pieces, TUTS has once again brought their best to the Houston theater scene. With some of the best talent from near and far, the cast is phenomenal both vocally and dramatically. From the heart-racing rock songs to the heart-wrenching ballads, there is not a weak point throughout the entire performance. Every member of the cast is incredibly talented and almost every character, both major and minor, gets a chance to showcase their vocal ability with a solo. The voices layer into beautifully haunting melodies and carry home the messages presented by Sater. The design of the show is precise and integrated. The set consists of an industrial scaffolding backdrop featuring the band on one side and various cast members scattered on the second story catwalk throughout the show, as well as a wood-paneled office suspended high above the right side of the stage. The contrasting steel and wood marks the sharp contrast between the modern music and the historic, conservative story. The lights further progress this contrast by lighting each scene with traditional amber washes, but switching to flashy, neon effects during the musical numbers. In all aspects, TUTS production of Spring Awakening is phenomenal and a must-see. Spring Awakening is on stage at the Hobby Center for Performing Arts through October 20th. For more information visit TUTS.org.
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