I first saw "Spring Awakening" at The Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, N.J. shortly after the pandemic. The musical is based on the 1891 German play of the same name. The book and lyrics were originally by Steven Salter and the music was written by Duron Sheik. Featured off Broadway in a workshop project during the 90's, it made its way to the Eugene O'Neil Theatre on December 10th, 2006. Not only was it an unexpected hit, it won 8 tony Awards including best musical, best direction and it took Broadway by storm.

The story is about teenagers coming of age set to rock music. Dealing with sexual desires and fantasy, "Spring Awakening" takes us to and into the insights of what these young adolescents are going through and how they deal with the struggles of growing up in a society that still sees them as children. The first time I saw it I was struck at how good the story was and how well the music complemented the plot. In this type of genre, I would put this musical near the top of the list!

The Epic Players put on their rendition of this complex and at times difficult musical at the Mezzanine Theatre at ART on West 51 st Street. Epic is known for their works in Neuro-Inclusive theater (people of some form of special needs). Even though some of it was difficult for the actors to get through, they did an admirable job in this production.

The two things worth mentioning was the costumes which made a nice mark on this show as did the lighting set up. The lighting was very creative in this production. The traverse stage too made it interesting for the way the actors were able to move about for the two hour performance.