Last night, I had the privilege of attending Xavier University Theatre’s production of Spring Awakening. The performance felt especially significant. Not only was it a beautiful, deeply moving staging of a beloved (and still often viewed as a provocative) musical, but it also marked Xavier’s 100th production since establishing its theatre major. The choice of show, the cast, and the direction all feel intentional–like a statement about why this program matters and the kind of work it champions.
Since its debut in 2006, Spring Awakening (book and lyrics by Steven Sater) remains one of the most powerful and controversial pieces in contemporary musical theatre. A rock-infused coming-of-age story, it explores adolescence and the often painful transition into adulthood–touching on sexuality, identity, repression, and the consequences of silence. Twenty years later those themes still hit. At a time when young people feel increasingly vulnerable and at risk, this story feels urgent.
Creative Team
What makes this production stand out is its restraint and sincerity. Rather than over-amplifying the intensity, the direction by Stephen Skiles and musical direction by Scot Buzza trusted the material. It is grounded, intentional, and gives the emotional weight of the story room to breathe.
That approach pays off, especially in the central performances. Sean Moss (Melchior) and Taylor Mattingly (Wendla) bring a strong emotional core to the production, with Mattingly carrying the role with quiet, steady gravity. It’s always refreshing when a production—especially one that evokes so much emotion—doesn’t try to outshine the material but instead lets it speak.
More Standout Performances
There are several standout performances across the ensemble. Anya Sperber (Martha) and Jamie Swisshelm (Ilse) bring both vulnerability and strength, while Leo Jenkins (Moritz), Enzo Battaglia (Georg/Dieter), Gracie Phlipot (Thea), and Tylen Gordon (Hanschen/Rupert) handle the show’s sensitive subject matter with care, delivering beautiful, nuanced vocals throughout.
One of the most striking moments comes at the end, when the cast returns to the stage in their own modern clothes. It is a simple but incredibly powerful choice, blurring the line between performer and person. In that moment, the story stops feeling like something being presented and instead feels like something being shared. A reminder that these themes aren’t confined to a stage, a time period, or fictional characters, that they are very real, and very present–perhaps even in some of these young performers’ actual lives.
More than anything, this production feels necessary.
It was almost difficult to hear the final song, “Purple Summer,” over the sound of the audience crying. Looking around, at parents, alumni celebrating the 100th season, classmates, and community members, it was honestly beautiful to share that collective emotion and then rise together to celebrate the work.
Tickets to this Must See Production
If you have the chance, go see Spring Awakening at Xavier’s Gallagher Theatre before it closes. It’s a production you will remember, even twenty years from now.
Performance Details:
- April 10, 11, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m.
- April 12 and 18 at 2:00 p.m.
- Tickets: $20 adults / $15 students, faculty, staff
- Seating is limited
Tickets available here: https://xaviertheatre.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=20051546
