Play explores tough themes

The audience roared with laughter as the busty piano teacher expressed her orgasm by singing a high note.

This almost-pornographic display was one of many in IU Theatre and Drama’s production of “Spring Awakening” on Friday night.

“Awakening” will continue its run Nov. 6-10 in the Ruth N. Halls Theatre.

A sordid tale with an excess of controversy, “Spring Awakening” tells the story of Wendla, a teenage girl living in 19th century Germany with no clue about the birds and the bees.

Tired of being shielded from the world of sexuality, she questions her mother about where babies come from only to get another lie as an answer.

Meanwhile, nervous schoolboy Moritz struggles to understand the erotic dreams he’s been having.

His best friend, the educated Melchior, bridges the sexual divide and explains such thoughts are normal for teenage boys.

Melchior also helps Wendla accept her body’s natural tendencies, pressuring her into experimenting as they consummate their feelings for each other — on stage, in the spotlight.

Their sexual escapades have tragic repercussions.

Rock music balances out the heavy subject matter as the actors interrupt their sorrows by pulling microphones from their suit jackets and dresses and jamming out.

They spring around the bare stage, stomping their feet and climbing on chairs as they sing about desire and frustration.

The orchestra plays beneath the stage, which is at an extreme incline. It seems the actors would slide off it into the audience.

Handheld mics give the musical a rock concert feel but at times makes it difficult to hear the words.

IU Theatre’s production adheres closely to the Broadway version in style and choreography.

“Spring Awakening” is known for its graphic content, and this performance does not shy away from the explicit.

The audience laughed and cheered during the edgier scenes and songs, particularly “My Junk” and “Totally Fucked.”

They remained somber and silent during the scenes that dealt with darker themes, such as teen pregnancy, abortion and suicide.

At the end of the show, the cast received a loud standing ovation.

The production impressed even the audience members who had seen previous incarnations of the show.

Senior Matt Burke saw a production in Asbury Park, N.J. He said IU Theatre’s
production was different, but not in a bad way.

“It catered more to college students,” he said. “I thought it was great.”

Senior Candice Marshall said the performances held up to the original Broadway production.

“They were equally as good,” she said. “Amazing. Breathtaking.”