Love Might Make You Blind, Kid...

... But I wouldn't mind at all.

This is one of the lines from "The Bitch of Living," one of a dozen excellent songs from the rock musical Spring Awakening. Somehow, after winning 8 Tony Awards, this Broadway show closed. But it began touring the country, which is even better for me. As local radio ads will tell, Spring Awakening is playing at the Hippodrome, and I got to see it! With Erin & Aubrey & Erin's other friend Karen!

The music was fantastic (as the soundtrack has proven again and again), and the band played on stage. I loved watching the conductor play piano and dance around in his chair while lifting his arm to cue the others.

When the current show was originally being put together, it was in a VERY small theatre and stage. There wasn't much room to move, so the actors emphasized movement by jumping up, climbing up, or moving their arms.

As the original play was written in and about the physically restrictive late-1800's Germany, the young people's exquisitely small acting space mirrors the limitations they face in society. They are entering adulthood, though, and must come to terms with the unfamiliar physical and sexual desire, so their movement up and around the stage really showed their desire to break free, while making smart use of the space.

PLUS, the lighting was incredible, and because this show was the original Broadway version, it was the same that won a Tony for lighting designer Kevin Adams. Indeed, none of the original cast from two years ago are still in the show, but they are all fine actors and singers.

Great, great experience. Until I got on the wrong highway to get home. In the dark and in the rain. But then I got on the correct highway (without a map!) and eventually drove all the way to a welcoming bed.

Anywho, have a listen to "The Bitch of Living" (the picture on this link completely sums up what I said about the space and physical restrictions. Also good are the two quick versions of "Mama Who Bore Me," "Totally Fucked," and "Touch Me." "Don't Do Sadness/Blue Wind" is a little longer, but it rocks, you'll get into it immediately. Remember, it's a rock musical! This music should be on the radio.