News

Students Shine In Spring Awakening

23/05/2013

 

On the 16^th and 17^th of May, Richard Taunton Sixth Form College Performing Arts and Music students presented Spring Awakening at The Point Theatre in Eastleigh.

 

 

Set in late-19th century Germany, Spring Awakening tells the story of teenagers discovering the inner and outer tumult of sexuality. This musical interpretation of Spring Awakening, despite its challenging topics, includes rock- and gospel-influenced songs which express the emotions of each character. Songs ranged from the soulful ‘Mama Who Bore Me’ and the upbeat rock of ‘Totally F**ked’ to the haunting melody of ‘The Word of Your Body’ and the emotional ‘The Dark I Know Well’.

 

The stellar performances were backed by a live band of Richard Taunton Sixth Form College Music students who enhanced the live production. Students also had the responsibility of set production and marketing which included input into promotional materials and the cast “flash mobbing” a staff meeting and the café during lunch in order to engage the entire College in the production.

 

The students performed to packed crowds across the two nights and were met with resounding acclaim. Upon leaving The Point, members of the audience exclaimed:

It had me hooked from start to finish, a brilliant story excellently performed.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening with some exceptionally talented students.

 

However it wasn’t just members of the public who were impressed by the performance – Stacey Williams, Director of AELFA Academy of Dramatic Art, London had this to say about the performance:

I was Talent scouting at The Point Theatre Eastleigh tonight for Aelfa Academy & Aelfa Associates Agency. There is too much talent to choose from it is mind blowing! It was a phenomenal performance of Spring Awakening tonight. I enjoyed it from beginning to end, very professional it was a great Friday evening I loved it. Richard Taunton Sixth Form College has so much talent in one place, well done to all involved.

 

Audiences were captivated by the diverse characters and their paths throughout the musical: from the not-so-traditional love story of Wendla (played by Melissa Taplin, formerly of Bitterne Park School) and Melchior (played by Steven Brown, formerly of Kings School), to the awkward journey of personal discovery by Moritz (played by Christopher Hewitt, formerly of Mountbatten School).

 

This was echoed by Dan McCready, a member of the UK Rock Challenge team:

Melissa as Wendla was sensational. Her singing voice is absolutely beautiful, I’m not sure I could ever get tired of listening to it. What a brilliant choice of leads Christopher and Steven were. Christopher played Moritz with the perfect combination of awkwardness, intensity and sympathy while Steven made the very difficult ‘intelligent but rebellious’ role of Melchior look effortless.

 

The production was a huge success with audiences and this was undoubtedly due to the hard work and effort put in by Richard Taunton Sixth Form College students and staff. Principal Alice Wrighton was extremely proud of the team’s achievement and had this to say after Friday’s performance:

I was bowled over by tonight's performance; it was in every way excellent and dealt with the issues in a very direct but tasteful and appropriate way. It is the best show I have seen in all my time watching sixth form college and school performing arts shows. I know how hard you have all worked for so long:  your strong work ethic as a team shines through.

 

Photographs of Spring Awakening were taken by Martin Bell Photography and can be viewed here