After a year of cancelled or online productions, Middlesex was excited to see live performances return to the Kaye Theatre on May 21-22, 2021. Set in late 19th century Germany, but with an alternative rock and roll score, Spring Awakening examines the fraught world of adolescents coming of age. Though the original play was written in 1890, the many issues it explores – isolation, depression, abuse, and suicide – remain relevant more than a century later, ultimately highlighting the importance of community and connection.
Following masking and social distancing regulations, student audience members were seated individually or in small groups around the expansive theatre; for many freshmen, this was their first time in the theatre this year. Meanwhile, 24 cast members were either safely separated on stage within a spectacular set of 18 small studios or had their off-stage appearances filmed and projected on adjacent video screens. With its inspired technical design and outstanding performances, Spring Awakening was an impressive artistic achievement – and a welcome chance to bring the community together in the Kaye Theatre again.
