The amount of simulated sex onstage is, if anything, more than sufficient to get plot points across. But all the physical flurries ultimately serve a telling theatrical, rather than prurient, purpose. They underline the real message of Widekind's original play, which, it should be recalled, he subtitled A Children's Tragedy.
This is a conflict that pits rebellious, confused and voracious youths against conspiratorially prohibitive, myopic adults. Both sides make errors of judgment, suffer terrible losses. Neither free love nor prudery emerges as the victor. The victim, of course, is innocence.
On Tuesday, the cast, which included some veterans of the 2007 Broadway production, tore into the performance with uniform energy, commitment and expert timing.
As Melchior, the boy whose challenge to authority sparks the central fire of the drama, Kyle Riabko brought plenty of personality and nuance to his acting, a pleasant singing voice to his solo songs. Christy Altomare made an affecting, tender-voiced Wendla, the na?ve admirer of Melchior who loses more than her virginity.
Blake Bashoff, sporting a couple of way-beyond-hip hairstyles and providing a good deal of vivid vocalism, was a standout as Moritz, the kid desperate to make sense of his sexual impulses and unable to find a place for himself in the world.
Steffi D (Ilse), Andy Mientus (Hanschen) and Ben Moss (Ernest) also did particularly winning work.
Given Mayer's dynamic directorial touch and some subtly brilliant choreography by Bill T. Jones, the action never lost tension as it unfolded all over the minimalist set by Christine Jones, imaginatively lit by Kevin Adams.
Led from the keyboard by Jared Stein, the instrumental ensemble played the colorfully arranged score with admirable finesse and feeling.
That score is not the strongest asset of Spring Awakening. Although Sheik's songs contain some unexpected chord progressions, most of the melodic lines lack stay-in-the-ear distinctiveness. It's the vitality of the young singers that gives the impression of greater musical substance.
If you go
Spring Awakening runs through June 21 at the Hippodrome, 12 N. Eutaw St. Tickets are $22-$67. Call 410-547-7328 or go to ticketmaster.com for showtimes.
