“Deaf West pulls this off like Houdini did his straight jacket.”
New York Theatre Guide StaffFull Review
MusicalRevival
MUSICALREVIVALCLOSED
Spring Awakening
Lena Horne Theatre · Opened Sep 27, 2015 · Closed Jan 24, 2016 · Ran for 4 months
Critics' Take
Deaf West's innovative revival incorporating American Sign Language electrifies the 2006 Tony winner, with critics praising its visual poetry and emotional power, though some find it doesn't quite match the original's punch.
Critic Scorecard
44 reviewsSort:
“This new version comes from Theatre Company...not only validates its earlier acclaim but magnifies its power as a consummate work of musical theatre.”
Musical Theatre Review StaffFull Review
“It's quite extraordinary when you can improve upon perfection. Dare I say, it's better than the original.”
“The brilliant direction and choreography turn Spring Awakening, already a fine if unusual musical, into something really special and new.”
“This new production, originally conceived by The Forest of Arden Theatre Collective and Theatre, is a wildly impactful and visceral production that goes straight to the heart and doesn’t let go.”
Audience Scorecard
1.7K audience reviews
A+
Loving It
Awards Scorecard
2015-16 season50
Honored
Nominated for Best Revival (Musical)
Outer Critics:1 win / 3 nomsDrama Desk:4 nomsDrama League:1 nom
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicAll Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about Spring Awakening?
Deaf West's innovative revival incorporating American Sign Language electrifies the 2006 Tony winner, with critics praising its visual poetry and emotional power, though some find it doesn't quite match the original's punch. (CriticScore 82/100 from 44 reviews.)
Is Spring Awakening worth seeing?
Yes. Spring Awakening earns strong reviews from critics (82/100 from 44 reviews). Most theatergoers will have a great time.
What is the CriticScore for Spring Awakening?
Spring Awakening has a CriticScore of 82/100 based on 44 professional reviews. This is a "Recommended" show.
Is Spring Awakening still running on Broadway?
No, Spring Awakening has closed. It played at Lena Horne Theatre and closed on January 24, 2016.
Theater Scorecard
Typical VenueThe Lena Horne Theatre offers good sightlines from most seats, with clear views even from the rear mezzanine. The sound quality is well-balanced across the theater. However, the seating is quite tight, especially for taller patrons, which affects comfort. The theater's ambiance is enhanced by its historic architecture and restored interior, providing a charming atmosphere.
Original Broadway Cast
- Russell HarvardHeadmaster KnochenbruchBroadway debut
- Camryn ManheimFrau BergmannBroadway debut
- Marlee MatlinFrau GaborBroadway debut
- Patrick PageHerr Sonnenstich
- Miles BarbeeOttoBroadway debut
- Katie BoeckVoice of WendlaBroadway debut
- Alex BonielloVoice of MoritzBroadway debut
- Joshua CastilleErnstBroadway debut
Notable Replacements
- Elizabeth GreeneFrau Bergmann
- Alexandria WailesFrau Gabor
Creative Team
- Andy MientusDirector
- Michael ArdenDirector
- Steven SaterBook & Lyrics
- Duncan SheikMusic
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 82/100 (44 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Sep 27, 2015
- Closed
- Jan 24, 2016
- Run Length
- 4 months
- Runtime
- Synopsis
- Wendla Bergmann, an adolescent in late 19th-century Germany, laments that her mother gave her "no way to handle things" and has not taught her the lessons she is meant to know as a young woman ("Mama Who Bore Me"). She tells her mother that it is time she learned where babies come from, considering that she is about to be an aunt for the second time.
- Data Last Updated
- September 13, 2026
