“Magnificent Young Voices”: Press Reviews of the celebrated premiere of Spring Awakening

“At the end, everyone rose to their feet in applause; it may well have been the start of the next cult production.” (Die Presse)

“Spring Awakening takes us into the most drastic time of life. And it shows that a musical does not have to be light fare to inspire. (…) Youthful energy, suffering and love — you leave the Volksoper hoping that one day we will do better.” (Kurier)

“The Volksoper Wien’s presentation of Spring Awakening stands as one of the most electrifying and emotionally resonant musicals of the 2025/26 season. This acclaimed rock musical (...)  retains its raw emotional impact while gaining new life and context within the Volksoper’s innovative staging." (European News Agency)

“Particularly powerful at the Volksoper are the strong female voices — throughout the entire ensemble, from Hannah Severin and Paula Nocker to Isabel Saris.” (APA)

“Magnificent young voices.” (Kurier)

“The evening thrives on the strong acting performance of the young vocal ensemble and the rousing music. (…) Highlighting individual performers would be unfair; the success here is, above all, a team effort.” (Die Presse)

“The young performers (outstanding: Melichor Paul Aschenwald, Moritz Til Ormeloh, Ilse Hannah Severin, Martha Isabel Saris) act, tumble, fight, and sing their hearts out, impressing especially in the dramatic scenes that give them the opportunity to fully develop their roles.” (Kronen Zeitung)

“The set design by Agnes Hasun is wonderful: the eight-piece band performs at center stage on a floral island, while around them a sparse geometric structure—atmospherically lit by Alex Brok—vividly conveys the cage of conventions to which the young people are subjected.” (Der Standard)

“The abstract revolving stage is the production’s only modern ingredient. The costumes and storytelling are kept in a classic Broadway and West End style. That did not stop the directing team led by Frédéric Buhr from creating truly excellent theatre. (…) It is refreshing when a piece is simply told authentically, with great attention to detail, and is thus able to speak for itself.” (Die Presse)

“The (Volksoper) presents Wedekind’s Spring Awakening as a heartwarming musical. Does that work? Oh yes!” (Der Standard)

“You would have to be very out of touch with yourself not to swallow back tears here; to remember that time when everything seemed enormous and insurmountable — things that are now simply part of adult routine. The musical by Duncan Sheik (music) and Steven Sater (book and lyrics) brings all of this vividly back to mind (…).” (Kurier)

“The young performers deliver tremendous vocal and dance power across the footlights in ensemble numbers such as ‘Totally F***ed’ (choreography: Klevis Elmazaj).” (Der Standard)