Pennsylvania Playhouse’s production of “Spring Awakening” is a raw, devastating coming-of-age pop-rock musical filled with heart-felt and passionate performances.
The musical on stage through June 14 at Pennsylvania Playhouse, 390 Illick’s Mill Road, Bethlehem, takes a heart-breaking look at the lives of a group of teens in late 19th-century Germany, who are struggling to understand their sexuality despite the repressive attitudes of the adults around them.
Tahlia Colon starts the show powerfully as Wendla in “Mama who Bore Me” as the teen sees changes in her body and begs her mother for information, which she refuses to give. Colon conveys warmth and intelligence as the frustrated Wendla, and is joined in the song by her friends, who are equally frustrated.
Joshua Bridges is compelling and intense as the rebellious Melchior and is dynamic leading the other boys in “All That’s Known” and “The Bitch of Living.”
Bridges and Colon are sweetly tentative with each other as a young couple discovering love and their “Whispering” is poignant.
A highlight is Bridges’ outstanding performance of Melchior’s bitter “Totally F***ed” backed by the talented ensemble and enhanced by the chair choreography by Maxwell McCurdy.
Gray Pescatore inhabits the agitated anxiety of the gentle Moritz, who struggles with school and erotic fantasies he doesn’t understand. Pescatore brings a fervent honesty to the role. His duet with Hannah Cumming’s Ilse on “Don’t Do Sadness” is wrenching.
Cummings is compassionate and clear-eyed as Ilse, a girl who was abused and kicked out and now survives in an artist colony.
Aubrey Gore is agonizing as Martha, a girl who admits to her friends she is being abuse in “The Dark I Know So Well.”
Evan Hager as Hanschen and Tony Anthony as Ernst have a tender, touching moment as the two boys discovering their attraction to each other in “The Word of You Body.”
Connor Sternberg adds a needed touch of humor as gangly teen Georg lusting after his piano teacher.
All the adults from parents to school masters are well played by Will Windsor Erwin and Jan Labellarte Beatty. Erwin’s fathers are mostly stern and unyielding while Beatty’s mothers range from accusatory to kind, but limited.
Director Katelyn Morgan fills the stage with the cast to good effect and uses all the aisles to give the show an immersive feel.
Zoe Mulzet’s and Todd Burkel’s attractive costumes delightfully recreate the 19th century and Brett Oliveira’s minimal set of a towering bookshelf is effective and well used.
Audiences are advised the show contains scenes of violence, simulated sexual acts, nudity, and suicide. Viewer discretion is advised.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. June 5, 6, 12 and 13; and 6 p.m. June 7 and 14.
Tickets are $25 for adults; $22 for seniors and $15 for students.
For information, call 610-865-6665, or go to www.northampton.edu/about/college-theatre/summer-theatre/.