Among the memories of my summer, one that easily sticks out is seeing SPRING AWAKENING at the Atlantic Theater Company five times, four of which were after I had reviewed it and I paid to see it. I am going to the first critics performance tomorrow night. And frankly, unless something were to really change adversely - and I hear its actually gotten better - I completely expect that I will give it four stars. Which it unquestionably deserves.
The cast album was released earlier this week. And as Michael Riedel of the Post also noted yesterday, it is one of the most gorgeous scores to hit Broadway in many, many years. But, apparently, it is having a very difficult time at the box office. Not suprising. The show has no stars, it's based on a German play from 1891, and it's by no means a family show, filled with sex scenes, puberty issues and so forth.
But I do believe that SPRING AWAKENING could not only survive on Broadway, but THRIVE. Thing is, it's fate is beyond that of the critics. It needs a fan base, which it already has, but one that will adamantly and fervently fight to get people to see the show and support it. Frankly, if this show premiered 20 years ago, it probably would have just stayed Off-Broadway and done well there, rather like LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.
It will quite definitely be nominated for the Best Musical Tony, even if it closes before May. But if it does not, it will certainly have a strong chance of winning the award. It's competition, really would be CURTAINS or LEGALLY BLONDE, or maybe MARY POPPINS. GREY GARDENS will probably be nominated for Best Musical, but it won't win, though Ebersole will of course take Best Actress.