Spring Awakening ( (Broadway: Deaf West)

See it if you like rock musicals about teens. To me, the plot and songs were unappealing. Interesting approach to include deaf actors on stage.

Don't see it if you're sensitive to loud sound. Weird juxtaposition of old story with modern music. This just didn't work for me.

Also I'm catching up on reviewing shows I saw. Many people loved this Spring Awakening...I wasn't one of them.... Read more Read less

See it if intelligent innovative staging. Music is still banal and derivative, the story dated. But this production covers it up well in shiny clothes

Don't see it if the staging can be a bit confusing at first but becomes easy to follow in no time

See it if You want to see an original adaptation that has never been done before on stage.

Don't see it if You are looking for a feel good musical with memorable songs or story.

See it if You want a fantastically produced revival.

Don't see it if You have no heart.

See it if you are a fan of the music, if you'd like to see an innovative take on the musical, you think ASL is an exquisite, dance-like communication

Don't see it if the original turned you off, you don't like loud music, you find double casting and abstract staging too confusing

See it if You want a new interpretation of a classic musical. You want to hear great music.

Don't see it if You want great acting. You remember the original production.

See it if you like historic, coming-of-age stories and shows with profound themes.

Don't see it if you don't like musicals. (I saw the Deaf West production and found it confusing at times with the integration of deaf and hearing actors.)

See it if You're interested in seeing a very different musical staging of a very good musical involving deaf actors.

Don't see it if You disliked the original production of Spring Awakening. This production won't necessarily make you like it any better.

See it if you enjoy a clever, inclusive approach to theatre which is emotionally charged and resounding in multiple ways.

Don't see it if you did not like the music in the original, you're heartless and find ASL distracting and reading subtitles from the blackboard annoying.

See it if You enjoy young talented people doing what they love.

Don't see it if You have a bias against differently abled people.

See it if you want to see something effortlessly incorporating sign language and English. If you like indie rock driven scores and darker themes.

Don't see it if you're looking for a feel-good musical. Not a show for teens/younger kids to see with their parents because of the edgy content.

See it if you enjoy a reimaging of an already groundbreaking production; the addition of ASL took this show to a new level

Don't see it if you want a classical musical or want a light-hearted experience

See it if You appreciate a show that has something to say and says it (& signs it) beautifully.

Don't see it if You are not prepared to be moved.

See it if you'd enjoy a groundbreaking production of an established Broadway hit. The sign language adds depth and feeling to the experience for all.

Don't see it if you can't get to New York by Jan 24, 2016.

See it if Wow. I think it was better than the original. I want to learn sign language now.

Don't see it if You can't absorb coming of age complexity.

See it if you adore sensitive, intelligent lyrics and book and exquisitely beautiful music, including alternative rock, well staged and performed.

Don't see it if you dislike historical musicals, explicit adolescent hetero- and homosexual sensuality, or challenge to Lutheranism/conservative religion.

See it if you are a fan of the original and want to see the story retold in a way that makes it fresh. I was blown away by this interpretation.

Don't see it if you are bringing young kids. But I wish everyone over the age of 17 could have seen this groundbreaking production

Also So, I saw this production in December 2015 in the same weekend that I saw the original cast of Hamilton, and this was the show I came home talking about. I liked the original Spring Awakening, but the Deaf West version told the story in a new and innovative way and you would never know this wasn't the way the story was meant to be told. There are certain moments from this production that I will never forget. The dialogue was always communicated in at least two ways to accommodate both hearing and non-hearing audience members. Sometimes spoken and sign language, sometimes spoken and captioning, sometimes sign language and captioning--depending on what the scene needed. So clever. At the performance I attended, it was refreshing to see audience members communicating in sign language and knowing that this was a show that catered to the deaf community. It was rumored that this show would tour, and I hope it still does so that more can experience its beauty.... Read more Read less

See it if the concept of sign language incorporated into a show appeals to you.

Don't see it if you don't like the show, puberty/sex is an uncomfortable subject.

See it if Missed the original. Brilliant in its own right.

Don't see it if Close-minded...well, actually could change you

See it if you want to see how you can hear & see a musical performed on stage. ASL is performed brilliantly by both the deaf & hearing cast.

Don't see it if you can't handle a busy production or appreciate how ASL can beautifully performed to make it look like it was part of the choreography.

See it if you are excited about innovate ways to present musical theatre / you liked the original / you are open to a different kind of theatre

Don't see it if you don’t like loud shows / you are easily overstimulated

See it if You're a fan of Spring Awakening and are open to seeing some really cool creative choices made with it.

Don't see it if You did not like the original production. The core of the show has not changed. You want something "family friendly"

Also I am a huge Spring Awakening nerd. Full disclosure, I have music directed and played in pit orchestras for six separate productions of Spring Awakening at regional and community theaters. So, you know, I'm a fan.

This was a great revival for many reasons, not least of which is how deftly it handles the subtitles on stage. Honestly, it wasn't an obstacle or even a distraction, it just was. It was just part of the show. Michael Arden is truly an innovative director.

The sound design was very good. My one complaint is that whoever was on the soundboard may have leaned a little too heavy into the bass and kick drum in the mixer. It was a little overwhelming. There were times when I could see every instrument playing but my brain was like, "okay, I hear bass and kick."

But the performances were all wonderful, and it works great as an actor/musician show.... Read more Read less

See it if you like your theater with fresh surprises

Don't see it if you find a dichotomy between 'modern' music and 'old-school' values incomprehensible

See it if you liked the original spring awakening. I found the show much more confusing then the first. The first I really enjoyed, this not as much.

Don't see it if you are looking for a traditional musical. Can be confusing on who to focus on when watching the characters perform.

See it if You like creatively designed and presented rock musicals with a terrific cast led by a fine direction and design

Don't see it if Don't want your mind, ears and eye engaged at the theater.