The B*tch of Living (Prism Performing Arts)

Content Warning: Spring Awakening mentions sexual abuse, child abuse, rape, suicide, abortion, mental health, physical and emotional abuse.

Spring Awakening

Based on the play by Frank Wedekind

Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater

Music by Duncan Sheik

Directed by Naomi Wayne

Review by Kate Barry

Entire contents are copyright © 2025 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.

What makes a controversial work? Why is it so upsetting? Is the material too offensive? Or is the subject matter so honest that one simply cannot bear to face it? In 1891, German playwright Frank Wedekind’s play Spring Awakening was considered so vulgar that it was banned for many years. Flash forward to 2006, when the musical adaptation by Duncan Sheik had its run on Broadway. This weekend, Prism Performing Arts, a branch of Drag Daddy Productions, premiered with a production with the energy of a rock show and the heartbreaking elements of growing up and accepting inner truths in a world of fear and oppression.

Staged at the Art Sanctuary, the lighting and concert elements are first rate. As these characters belt and wail with microphone in hand, the musical numbers serve as statements on the story. At times chatter was heard from off stage actors and the sound system had moments of feedback. Even though noticeable, these slight distractions did not pull much focus from the performance over all.

Clothing and what is worn is a notable aspect of this production. The cast first appears in white undergarments for a striking moment of vulnerability. As Wendla (Grace Greenwell) wears a favorite dress from childhood, she is soon body shamed by her mother. The clothes worn by these characters take on different meanings throughout the musical. While characters assigned as boys wear jackets with ripped sleeves, the characters assigned as girls opt for long dresses creating a type of uniform for these adults bodies still treated as children.

Spring Awakening’s central theme focuses on young people in search of answers. As Melchior, Tony Smith leans into a rebellious nature as he learns the truth about sexuality and delves deep into atheism in a religious community. Smith’s singing talents are put on full display in “All That’s Known” and “Mirror-Blue Night.” He leads the other cast members with high magnetism in “Totally F*cked.” This intense number ends with a pulsating chorus of “blah blah blahs,” channeling a more than appropriate amount of teen angst.

As Melchior gains knowledge and perspectives, his friends suffer. Grace Greenwell’s performance as Wendla is heartbreaking and tender. She delivers a sweet rendition of “Whispering,” that is equal parts haunting and hopeful. Greenwell’s performance as a sheltered girl desperate to experience a more fruitful life provides a nice contrast to Smith’s Melchior. In a lesser musical, Wendla and Melchior would be seen as a love story. Striking and powerful, the act one closing number “I believe” raises questions of consent as Wendla is ill informed about sex and Melchior pressures her to engage.

The ensemble is comprised of a stellar vocal talent with strong moments like “Song of Purple Summer,” “My Junk” and “Touch Me.” Regina Frost is a stand out as Moritz, a young kid burdened by shame. Frost embraces a punk rock sensibility for “Don’t Do Sadness” with the right amount of frustration and anger. As Moritz makes a tragic decision, Frost delivers a chilling “So Dark” speech with a profound sadness and despair. Caisey Cole and Katie Willis give an undeniably powerful reedition of “Dark I know Well." Willis’ “Blue Wind” is tenderly sung with a yearning for the past. Andrew Schaftlein’s Hanshen and Ashley Drury’s reprise of “Word of your Body” provides a lighter moment among the tragic happenings in act two.

Spring Awakening does not shy away from its subject matter. Children are abused and sexual acts are shown without flinching. In these days of social media, untrustworthy sources and censorship, Prism Performing Arts production reminds us that knowledge and truth are powerful.

Spring Awakening

Prism Performing Arts/Drag Daddy Productions

December 11-21 2025

Art Sanctuary

1433 S Shelby St

Louisville, KY 40217-1169

https://tickets.evvnt.com/events/spring-awakening-by-prism-performing-arts