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| Carson Robles, Nick Williams, and Samantha Maxwell photo by Nick Woodward-Shaw |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through September 21st.
"With an age-appropriate cast of young adults, Mesa Community College PAC Musical Productions is presenting a solid production of the Tony-winning Spring Awakening, which focuses on a group of high school students in 1890s Germany. Adapted from Frank Wedekind's 1891 German play of the same name, this rock musical centers on issues that young adults still struggle with today, including teen suicide and sexual awakening....Director Darl Jones and choreographer Ashley Harkey do a fairly good job in keeping the energy alive in the musical sections while ensuring the dramatic moments are taut and intense and resonate with the power of the situations. Jones also derives nuanced, rich and layered performances from his young cast...Nick Williams is excellent as Melchior, instilling the character with an inquisitive nature, an abundance of charm, and a clear sense of yearning. As Wendla, Samantha Maxwell shows innocence and naivety, which allows the audience to have an emotional connection to her as she struggles with the issues and truths Wendla encounters. Carson Robles exhibits an abundance of anxiety, nervousness and uncertainty as Moritz, with an expressive line delivery and body language that includes constant fidgeting and restlessness that beautifully depicts the intense pressure the character faces in his struggle to succeed....All three actors also have strong singing voices that present beautiful versions of the show's many soaring ballads, soft pop love songs, and hard, rocking expressive tunes...a fairly moving and impactful production of this powerful and meaningful musical about the loss of innocence. It's a show that tackles many issues that are still relevant today and while it deals with some heavy topics it also finds a way to bring moments of optimism and hope, including an uplifting ending, within the unhappiness and despair. " -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
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