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A spirit that is not afraid

AU Theatre wraps up the fall semester with Spring Awakening

<p>The cast of "Spring Awakening" reflects on their roles and the show as a whole.</p>

The cast of "Spring Awakening" reflects on their roles and the show as a whole.

"Spring Awakening," the hit Broadway musical, has made its way to The Plains this past semester. The Auburn University Theatre Department presented "Spring Awakening" as a part of the fall 2021 theater season. 

"Spring Awakening" ran on Broadway in 2006 and was revived in 2015 earning eight Tony Awards during its course. 

The show, which ran at Auburn from Nov. 11-19, tells the story of the angst and anxieties of a group of teenagers living in Germany in the late 1800s with the hopes and desires of coming of age and adulthood, as per the Department of Theatre and Dance webpage. 

Jordan Denson, junior in musical theatre, played Ernst in the Auburn production. Denson said his role in "Spring Awakening" was not his first production at Auburn, but he was honored to be a part of it. 

“So far, my theatrical experience [at Auburn] has been one of great pleasure, and measurable growth,” Denson said. “I can’t imagine myself anywhere else or doing anything else. I really appreciate AU Theatre’s strive for equity and inclusion and I hope to be a part of that ongoing development.”

Holden Mathison, senior in musical theatre, said as part of that major, he is required to audition for all shows, but he was excited when the department announced "Spring Awakening" as part of the season. 

“I went into the audition wanting to play Melchior, which ended up being the part I played, but I was also intrigued by the character Moritz," Mathison said. "I think his songs are some of the best."

In the show, Melchior is a charismatic schoolboy who challenges many of the old-fashioned ideals of the adults in the community. Whereas Moritz is a nervous and self-conscious boy who is struggling to understand his feelings as he enters young adulthood. 

“I have gotten a very full and rich experience, and I feel that the way the department is structured here is perfect for the student who wants to know all about theater,” Mathison said, “You get to experience all aspects. I have learned more about performing but also lighting, costuming and set construction.” 

Jenna Viana, senior in musical theatre, played Wendla, the lead female character of the show. Wendla is portrayed as a naïve girl who is wanting to learn more about the adult world but faces an unwillingness from the adults around her to educate her about mature topics. 

Viana, originally from San Diego, said she decided to come to Auburn to pursue a degree in fine arts, but she also wanted a college experience in a quaint college town complete with a wide range of extracurriculars. 

“Although we don’t declare roles out-front that we are interested in, I was definitely wanting to play Wendla,” Viana said. “Her story is so unique, and her curiosity was something that I was intrigued to dive into as an actor.” 

Viana said the tools she has gained through her time in the Auburn Theatre Department have helped her to feel more confident in her ability to pursue theater as a career. 

Pierce Rossman, freshman in industrial engineering and musical theatre, said although he originally auditioned for the roles of Melchior and Moritz, he was offered the role of Georg.

“This was my first production here at Auburn, and it was such a joy to be a part of the process here," Rossman said. "I got some new insight on what it means to be a professional actor and learned so much from everyone."

Rossman said what makes "Spring Awakening" special to him is that it explores many issues that could be avoided if the adults were open and communicative with their children. 

“I think 'Spring Awakening' is so important for our generation because it can be so easy to avoid the truth and avoid answering questions that are unpleasant,” Rossman said. “Every person who sees 'Spring Awakening' should walk in with an open mind and walk out feeling like they can help future generations be better.” 

Jake Brockman, senior in finance, played the role of Moritz in the show. 

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“His character arc is by far my favorite in the show, as he goes from a quirky, curious teenager to a more depressed but strong individual," Brockman said. "Being able to tell his story is something I will never forget."

Brockman said the important lessons and conversations that are discussed throughout "Spring Awakening" are what makes the play for him. 

“There are lessons about abuse, acceptance, suicide, growing up and so much more,” Brockman said, “The main thing I hope the audience took away from this production was the theme of inclusion.”

Brockman said it also has been special to be able to do this show in front of a live audience, following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Being able to perform and bring an audience together again to witness one of the truest forms of art and storytelling is a powerful message in itself,” Brockman said. “'Spring Awakening' shows the audience the importance of being together and that no matter how difficult life may be, there is always a reason to keep fighting.”


Kara Mautz | Culture Writer

Kara Mautz, senior in human development and family studies with a minor in journalism, is a culture writer at The Auburn Plainsman.


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