Spring Awakening @ Pleasance Courtyard

Frank Wedekind’s once controversial play exploring burgeoning sexual desire receives the rock musical treatment in this Tony Award winning show and, here, One Academy Productions presents their interpretation with a strong cast of postgraduate students and a stellar band.

Armed with handheld microphones, the innermost thoughts of the characters are explored in evocative songs with an indie edge. The ensemble singing is brilliantly executed with passion and the harmonies are virtually flawless. Unfortunately, the leads occasionally misplace their pitch but recovery is swift and the audience is more than forgiving as they engage with the protagonists and relive their own memories of rebellious youthfulness.

At times the movement is awkward, as if the actors are unable to fully liberate themselves from their inhibitions and embrace the characters wholeheartedly. The portrayals of the adult roles lack subtlety which results in a pantomimic quality unbefitting to the rest of the production. Standout performances, however, are made by Michael John Griesen and Rachel Middle, playing Moritz and Ilse respectively. Both have a watchable openness in their presentation that is instantly appealing.

Spring Awakening proves itself to be a gem of a show for students and this cast of young actors from the RSAMD successfully demonstrate their potential to be notable performers in the realm of musical theatre.