Glory ½Struck
Productions presents:
Spring Awakening in Concert for
Love is Louder
The Fans of MuMo were happy to
attend Glory Struck’s production of Spring Awakening in Concert at the
beautiful Hayworth Theater on opening night. There have been many productions
of this Tony Award winning show in the last few years around Los Angeles, and I
would have to say that this cast, with Kate Sullivan-Gibbens direction, really
sets this show apart.
Glory
Struck is a production company dedicated to producing contemporary art that
focuses on socially relevant issues in an effort to inspire collective
action. GS, along with the Love is
Louder campaign, an organization promoting the message of love and support to
fight depression in youth, have taken this gripping 1890’s German story and
presents how it still can resonate in today’s society.
I
have seen this show many times, as it is my second favorite show, and I would
have to say that Kelley Jakle in the lead of Wendla could possibly be my
favorite interpretation of the character. She has a powerhouse voice, yet still
has a lingering of innocence, which is so important for this coming of age
girl. I’ll admit that “Whispering” is a track I usually skip on the album, but
watching Jakle I finally had one of those “Oh, now I get it!” moments, that not
even Lea Michelle could do for me.
Another
mention has to be made for Topher Rhys’s performance for Mortiz, the saddest of
the characters, as this trouble youth is put through the ringer of his time.
Rhys is truly exceptional and helped win over my theater guest who previously
didn’t care for the show.
Something
I think I can say for this cast is that they are all believers in the Love is
Louder organization and I you can see it in their performance. This is a group
of creators who want to make a difference with their art, and if the rest of
their run is anything like opening night, there is change to come!
This is definitely not a show to
miss, one of the best performace of Spring Awakening in resent years. (Jennifer Barnes)
Tickets $25 Friday Saturday Sunday Through July 29th
Reservations- 323 980 7780
Hayworth Theater- 2511 Wilshire Blvd.