It’s edgy, erotic and in many scenes, gut-wrenching. No musical has quite shaken Broadway in the way Spring Awakening has, but you don’t have to plan a trip to New York just to experience this Tony Award-winning show.
Theatre company Tokyo International Players puts on one of their most challenging productions yet with this poignant show about the difficult transition from adolescence to adulthood. While the musical revolves around a group of teenagers in late 19th-century Germany, the show’s profound coming-of-age story resonates heavily with audiences of today.
Duncan Sheik’s musical numbers pull no punches either, with titles such as ‘The Bitch of Living’ and ‘Touch Me’ that employ electrifying alternative rock in their scores. For all of its profanity, Spring Awakening will be one of the most daring international shows to be performed in Tokyo in recent years and one not to miss.
Note: This production features strong language and adult themes; it may be inappropriate for children under age 14.