I recently had the absolute pleasure of attending a local student performance of “Spring Awakening” – a controversial “Alt Rock Musical” based on the 19th century play by Frank Wedekind. The play was originally banned due to its graphic subject matter, and scenes of a sexual nature. It was performed by students (ranging from ages 15 to 22) and colleagues of “The Northern Theatre School / Northern Theatre Company” (http://www.northerntheatreschool.co.uk/pages/home-page-northern-theatre-company.html) and ran from the 30th of May to the 2nd of June at the “Hull Truck Theatre” (www.hulltruck.co.uk/home), and I attended two of the performances – it was just that good!
I was particularly drawn to watching this play – not only because of the fantastic musical score – but because of several friends being involved in the production and performances. My flatmate Craig was asked to participate in “Spring Awakening” as a swing quite far into the production, so he had to learn the play through and through in a relatively short space of time, and take on several of the singing roles and harmonies (as well as learning some of the choreography). His role was never defined as such, but he is down in the program as “Otto”.
James Ramon-Baker was not only the director of the performance, but also played the lead role of “Melchior Gabor”. He did a damn fine job of putting together a fantastic example of entertainment for everyone! He is a considerably new acquaintance, but nonetheless has been a delight to meet and get to know! I actually saw him perform in a musical prior to this one, which was for his final year of University: “Little Women” (of which Craig was also taking part in as a swing), and thoroughly enjoyed that too, so I had already gained high hopes for “Spring Awakening”.
Of the two performances I went to during the shows run, I was accompanied both times by Jen – the lovely girlfriend of Mr. Baker. Both times, we were sat (essentially) on the front row, which was incredibly lucky! Both of us found it hilarious and quite surreal, when some younger attendees sat behind us voiced (quite audibly) their undying love for James and Craig, and there were the two of us, sat there, secretly laughing to ourselves due to the fact that we know them off-stage. I felt quite priviledged in all honesty!
Also, as it was afterall a special occassion, we both attended dressed in formal attire (well, Jen was actually off to the University Ball straight after, I went in formal attire because…why not?), and seeing as we were dressed in formal attire, and we were both “sophisticated” ladies attending a play, I decided to drink some (horrifically strong) red wine from the theatre bar. I wore boots with the dress, as you can see in the image below, just to maintain some personality.
One thing in particular which amused the both of us greatly, was the fact that when we went into the bathroom during the interval, we spied something on the wall which had us both in stitches…granted, it probably isn’t very dignified to start giggling in an infantile fashion in a busy bathroom, but afterall, it isn’t exactly everyday which you get to see your mate’s face plastered up on the ladies room wall for all to see!
We actually decided to go to another performance – the final one – on a bit of a whim, as James had announced that he was going to wear a customised tshirt, which I drew for him, beneath his costume – of which he would reveal right at the end of the performance in the encore. So excited we were, that we immediately went out and bought tickets, at the mere thought of the prospect.
You see, the night previous to this performance, we (Craig, James, Jen and I) were having a small social get-together, and James asked me to draw a “Spring Awakening” tshirt design using some markers and an old white tshirt he had spare. He gave me an initial idea of what he wanted, and I soon got to work. I thought this was a fantastic opportunity overall, to get a bit of publicity for my artwork. Subsequently, I have also been asked to design the CD cover for the cast-recording album which they are producing (for a small fee of course!).
Here is the tshirt in question, worn by the very man himself, as soon as I had finished it! (Please bear in mind that this photo has reduced a lot of the tshirts actual quality).
It is such a shame that I wasn’t able to get a photograph or video clip of when he did do the big reveal at the end of the show – it would have been fantastic for you all to see! I was so proud at that moment. I even had a few nice comments from other audience members after the show (who had gathered that it was I who drew it).
In all, this was definitely a performance which I will remember, and recommend strongly to those of you out there who enjoy good music, good narrative, and compelling acting from some real future stars! Not only was it highly enjoyable, it was also packed with a decent mix of comedic moments and heart wrenching scenes which almost brought many people in attendance to tears. I am looking forward to collaborating with the cast members on creating the album cover for the cast recording, and will let each of you know more about it as developments occur!
Thankyou once again for reading!
AbbieSTABBY 