"Michael Arden’s direction and vision are wonderfully executed. However, in the 2006 production, each character was uniquely distinct and identifiable. In this revival, with so many actors (and others doing their voices), the characters are more undistinguishable and the show’s overall impact is less effective."
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"For me it's just that same middling show in an ambitious and well-meaning new package...Director Michael Arden has reimagined every inch of the show, seamlessly interweaving hearing and deaf actors, spoken word and American Sign Language (ASL), into a production that rivals 'Hamilton' in terms of its sheer fluidity and forward motion...This is about as cohesive and powerful a production of this show as I'm ever likely to see."
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"As the story unfolds, the staging’s clarity starts to falter. The logistics required by the dual casting make plot points occasionally difficult to follow. If communication is your theme, you’d best be sure that you are conveying the narrative clearly. The staging lacks flow, as do the book and lyrics. Smooth flow may be a luxury when adolescent angst is at issue, although a decade ago, before the influence of Glee, this show’s teen choruses felt more authentically jagged, less packaged."
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"The result is an exhilarating and fluid hybrid of song, word, dance and sign — and a sheer triumph for director Michael Arden and choreographer Spencer Liff. The songs sit seamlessly in the show, often as brightly lit fantasy sequences that snap back into the grim narrative...If anything, the brilliant staging reveals chips and holes in the book and lyrics, which simply don't measure up to the ingeniousness of the new show itself."
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"The show has a talented cast; the lyrics are poignant, and now more than ever it is a powerful show to see...This show is a must see! I wanted to jump up on stage during 'Purple Summer' and chant along with the cast. A perfect night at the theater."
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"'Spring Awakening' 2015 is quite moving and feels even more organic than the in-your-face, bold original. It flows beautifully, and although not nearly as energetic and explosive, it has it’s own rhythm and spirit."
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"An absolutely gorgeous production. It's breathtaking how they meld sign and choreography. It feels more visceral and aggressive than the original. There are a lot of sequences that are really dark which makes it hard to understand what is being signed."
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"Well before the end of act one, you find yourself no longer looking for the speaking actor...And certainly by the end of act two, you’ll wonder why all actors in all musicals don’t use American Sign Language to convey what they’re singing...Director Arden is much better when he just mixes things up. Especially inventive are his use of posters, projection of words and silences. Sometimes he shows amazing restraint and creativity."
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