Spring Awakening, Coleg Gwent, Crosskeys Campus (From South Wales Argus)

Spring Awakening, Coleg Gwent, Crosskeys Campus

1:30pm Thursday 3rd February 2011 in Entertainments By Ben Hurley

Crosskeys College 2nd year performing arts students invited us on a trip to the late 19th Century with their performance of Spring Awakening, a rock musical adaptation of the controversial 1891 German play of the same title by Frank Wedekind, about a group of German students on their journey through sexual discovery. Credit is richly deserved for the stylized direction at the hands of Gareth David Lloyd and subtle yet expressive choreography from Cheryl Harper.

Tony Frost lent maturity, both characteristically and vocally, to the role of Melchior, while Michaela Thomas gave a sensitive portrayal of naive Wendla.

Whilst each member gave one hundred per cent, there were nonetheless some memorable performances.

Rory Atwell played a comfortably arrogant Hanschen against Michael Larcombe’s timid Ernst, who falls easily to the hands of Hanschen’s seduction. Katie Eason and Annelise Murray brought great musicality to the roles of abused Ilsa and Martha, whilst Kristian Morse sang the role of Moritz beautifully, and with great poignancy.

Atmospheric lighting, brilliant band lead by Sylvia Strand, and effective use of the cast as the set, lead to a thoroughly enjoyable evening. If you get the chance to make the last performance this evening, I totally recommend it.