The Sydney Theatre Company has chosen well in bringing Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s 2007 Broadway hit musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind’s classic 1891 play, ‘Spring Awakening’ to Sydney.

‘Spring Awakening’ is a classic, terrific play about the tumultuous nature, the heaven and hell of adolescence. Wedekind covers so many of the issues and conflicts that young people commonly go through. It’s all there… guilty masturbation scenes, sexual identity confusions, problems dealing with authority figures… The addition of a punchy, rock music soundtrack, with the song lyrics expressing how the kids feel, adds force to the play, and gives the show a great contemporary edge.

Geordie Brookman directs a talented, large cast, who clearly identify with the material, to vividly bring Wedekind’s vision to life. There are so many highlights. The boys getting together to sing the angry, ‘The Bitch Of Living’, about how frustrated they feel about having to conform to society’s expectations. Melchoir’s bellowing ‘Totally Fucked’, conveying his angst about his radical, unconventional musings being discovered by his teacher, awaiting the reprisals to follow.

Along with the drama there are scenes of great humour including Georg’s (Edward Grey) attempted seduction of his buxom music teacher Hanschen (Jamie Ward). The redemptive final song, sung by Ilse (Angela Scundi) and the company, sees the show go out on a high, soaring note.

The leads are great. As the rebellious, intellectual Melchior, Andrew Hazzard gives a strong performance. Akos Armont impressed as the tormented Moritz and features in another of the show’s highlights, delivering a soulful rendition of one of the show’s stand-out ballads, ‘I Don’t Do Sadness’. As Melchoir’s lover Wendla, Clare Bowen shows off a sweet voice, and gives a poignant performance.

This ‘Spring Awakening’ rocks! Geordie Brookman’s Sydney Theatre Company production plays the Sydney Theatre until 7th March, 2010.