Xavier University Theatre’s Spring Awakening runs now through April 18, 2026. Featuring book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik, this rock musical follows a group of young people as they navigate sexuality, each other, and question their world.
Spring Awakening challenges the notion that “children should be seen and not heard,” revealing the consequences of denying young people agency and autonomy.
Wendla (Taylor Mattingly), on the cusp of adolescence. She begins asking questions about sex—only to be receive evasion and silence from the adults in her life. As the show progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that these young people are being stripped of their agency and autonomy by the adults in their lives, their voices suppressed by the very figures meant to guide them.
Creative Team
Stephen Skiles, director, Scot Buzza as musical director and Torie Wiggins as intimacy coordinator shape this world with great care and intention. Utilizing a thrust stage, Skiles allow for an even more intimate performance. Choreographer Jenna Treinen, leaning heavily into the teenage angst of the young characters, features tight and swift movements showing their inner turmoil.
Jessica Pitcairn’s costume designs feature traditional 19th-century silhouettes, as well as various characters in contemporary clothing. This subtle, yet impactful choice should not go unnoticed or under appreciated.
Performances
The cast delivers strong vocal performances, grounded in emotional clarity and intention. In a show as demanding as Spring Awakening, that commitment is essential—and consistently met with grace, professionalism and artistic respect.
Leo Jenkins stands out as Moritz, delivering a performance that is vulnerable, and maybe leave you speechless. He will move you.
Overall, the ensemble demonstrates a high level of professionalism and respect for the material, resulting in a cohesive and compelling production.
The young actors at Xavier University deliver a strong and moving production. I can’t speak highly enough of their performances. For those familiar with the original Broadway cast recording, this staging offers a thoughtful interpretation of the beloved score while allowing these performers to make the material their own.
Overall
Spring Awakening isn’t just a musical–it’s a stark reminder about the consequences of repressing sexuality through shame, misunderstanding, and abuse. Its themes feel especially resonant in 2026, as conversations around reproductive health and personal autonomy continue to evolve.
This production will stay with audiences long after the curtain falls, reflecting not only on the characters’ experiences, but the world that shapes them. I recommend this for musical theatre aficionados, people wanting to rock their emotions or people looking for art that has something to say. It is a powerful way for the theatre program to celebrate their 100th production.
Get Tickets to Spring Awakening
Spring Awakening runs now through April 18th at Xavier University’s Gallagher Student Center. Purchase tickets here.
TRIGGER WARNING – Spring Awakening deals with topics of a sensitive nature and may be upsetting to some viewers. Spring Awakening contains adult language, discussion and images of sexual content, and discussions and images of death and suicide
