Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...The design just doesn't really work, and it contributes to some stutters in the storytelling at times, especially in the scenes involving Betsy Stewart's Ilse and Ben Barker's Moritz. Thielen struggles to connect those scenes to the main action, involving the affair between the students Wendla (Eliza Palasz, who is very honest, if very tentative) and Melchior (Patrick Rooney, a strong performer, although he needs to work more on fully inhabiting a teenage mindset), an ill-educated liaison that ends in tragedy."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...With its ravishing singing and orchestral accompaniment, its vivid acting, and its stark, stunningly modern design, the Marriott Theatre production of “Spring Awakening” is transfixing on every level."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Preopening news stories made much of the idea that Marriott was risking its blue-hair subscriber base by staging the hit adaptation of Frank Wedekind's play about teenagers trying—and failing—to cope with sexual repression in 1890s Germany; director Aaron Thielen apparently decided the risk was too great. He's got the thing onstage, all right, but doesn't take chances even with hairstyles. Though the cast perform beautifully, there are ways in which they're already stuck in a parent-safe high school presentation."
ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended
"...The direction and choreography by Aaron Thielen was pure magic. The set design by Resident Scenic Designer, Thomas M. Ryan was very unique and different. Thomas Ryan removed a section of seating and extended the stage creating a larger use for the Marriott Lincolnshire’s “in the round” stage, which included various backdrops for the school and the forest surrounding it. The Lighting by designer, Lee Fiskness was the best I have seen in a Marriott production. The story for Frank Wedekin’s 1891 play which is adapted musically by composer, Duncan Sheik, and lyrics by Steven Stater enhance the voices for Marriott Lincolnshire Theater’s production of Spring Awakening."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The musical version of Spring Awakening has been a sensation among teenagers since it came out when I was in high school. It was an obvious choice for Marriott to expand their base, in anticipation of the day when they can no longer rely on "classic" Broadway. But I think the show, at least the way it's done here, has the potential to appeal to Marriott's more typical audience, as well. On my way to the lobby, I heard several older people remark that Spring Awakening's characters reminded them of their own grandparents, who they now saw in a new light."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...The talented cast is led by Patrick Rooney as Melchoir; Eliza Palasz as Wendla; and Ben Barker as Mortiz. This trio of performers all turn in powerful performances, as do all the supporting players. A cast full of young, energetic, twenty- somethings was balanced nicely with a couple of seasoned pros in the roles of The Adult Woman (Hollis Resnik) and The Adult Man (Kevin Gudahl). Director Thielen certainly put together an impressive group for his dream project."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Directed and choreographed by Thielen ( a first time and one that is worthy of notice by the Jeff Committee) on a restructured theater with set design by Tom Ryan, this is indeed a new look for the theater and one that in fact, costs them a great deal of revenue as they have given up about 1/4 of their seating capacity to bring this special show to you."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...What really emerges in Marriott’s breakthrough production is a brilliant piece of theatre that speaks loudly and profoundly to modern, openminded audiences. The story may be from another era but, enhanced by a standout rock score, accompanied by a wonderful orchestra and sung by a talented, young cast, Frank Wedekind’s ideas emerge as fresh and contemporary. In fact, it is disturbing to realize that many of the same issues from 1891 Germany are just as relevant today: conversations about sexuality, masturbation, unwed pregnancy, suicide, physical and sexual abuse, abortion, homosexuality and religious doctrine are still taboo. Passionately performed, sensitively directed and boldly choreographed by Aaron Thielen and accompanied by Patti Garwood’s brilliant on-stage orchestra, this is a starkly beautiful, in-your-face production that will rock audiences to the core and haunts them long after the final bows."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...Compared to most modern musicals, "Spring Awakening" (sometimes called "Spring's Awakening") has moments that might invite the equivalent of an R rating. The topic of teenage sexuality is still sensitive today, though not as sensitive as it was back in Wedekind's day. The dialogue and song lyrics are peppered with profanity, and there is the abortion (off stage), sexual congress (on stage but tasteful), and homosexual activity in one scene (also tasteful). But there is no nudity and no violence. In other words, there is nothing in this show that could offend an intelligent viewer, and the show, with its accessible rock score, should appeal especially to young viewers, an audience Marriott is anxious to tap, giving the demographics of its present subscribers."
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...erman playwright Frank Wedekind penned the coming-of-age tragedy “Spring Awakening” between 1890 and 1891, but the play was deemed so scandalous, no one dared stage it until 1906. Today, the story of adolescents in an oppressive, provincial German town isn’t nearly as shocking, at least not for the same reasons. A plot that focuses on teenagers exploring their sexuality and questioning authority is no longer grounds for white-knuckled pearl-clutching. What shocks in today’s Spring Awakening is the gasp-inducing cluelessness and cruelty of the adults charged with shepherding the story’s fragile students toward adulthood."
Splash Magazine - Recommended
"...This might not be your father's Mariott Theatre, but it most certainly will resonate with his teenage children. It will also connect with anyone who has ever felt frustrated or misunderstood. That is to say it will connect with everyone."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...As difficult as some of the content may be for some audience members to handle, the way the show deals with the issues of teen suicide, pregnancy and the pressures of perfectionism young adults still face one-hundred years after the play's inception, makes "Spring Awakening" a compelling piece of theater that strays from the fairly classic musicals The Marriott Theatre is known for. In fact, the theater advises audiences that "Spring Awakening" is suggested for mature audiences because of sexual themes and content. This short, three-week run was a risk. However, it's one they should be proud to have taken."
