Spring Awakening

[eve_prime]

I finally steeled myself to see the controversial musical at the high school, a Tony-winning adaptation of a nineteenth century German play about the potentially tragic consequences of not educating teens about sexuality. Our neighbor H, who mowed our lawns this summer, played the #2 male lead, a highly sensitive boy who commits suicide, and our friend S, who plays Magic with us (son of C), played all the adult male roles. E.M., whom we have known since the first day of D's kindergarten, had all the adult female roles. It was pretty intense, and I'm glad J. agreed to accompany me, but there were moments of humor and release of tensions, and it ends with an upbeat and inclusive song.

I read the plot of the original play on Wikipedia in advance, so I was prepared for rape, child molestation, and a fatal botched abortion. Thankfully, in the current version the rape was instead consensual (although the girl had no clue that it could lead to pregnancy), and there was also a sweet song where two boys realize they're in love and kiss at least twice.

It was brave that the school took on this challenging production, but I am looking forward to Arms and the Man in the winter. Comedy! Comedy! I await you.