theatre by frank murphy
Spring AwAkening
AN INTervIew wITH
TaYloR TRensCh
The Orange County Performing Arts Center is presenting Spring Awakening, winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical
from November 17 through November 29. Based on the groundbreaking German play written in the 1890s, it was initially banned
for being too racy. A group of teens struggle through their sexual awakening and exploration in a repressed society. Unfortunately,
the strict elders interfere, creating some unpredictable and tragic outcomes. The heavy storyline is interwoven with a medley of soft
and hard rock musical numbers. The Rage Monthly spoke with one of the leads of Spring Awakening. His name is Taylor Trensch and he
portrays Moritz in this riveting musical.
Rage: I’m guessing here, but you did see the show before being in it? tions of 14-year-olds, as opposed to caricatures of such, to communicate those
Did you say to yourself, “I would love to play Moritz” at that time? themes. Spring Awakening is really unlike any other piece of theatre due to its
Taylor Trensch: I saw Spring Awakening five or six times before being cast. Initially honesty as well as its daring juxtaposition of old and new.
Moritz was the last part I wanted to play. I did not think my voice was strong enough Rage: What has been the biggest impact for you starring in this show?
to take on his songs and I was not excited by the idea that he and I are ever so simi- TT: Since joining the Spring Awakening team, I have become more passionate
lar. Instead I had my sight set on the lecherous, self-assertive Hanschen because he and involved in the fight for human rights. Sometimes when I am watching the
gets to do some very fun and very startling things onstage. Now, of course, I could show I ask myself: how far have we really come within the last 100 years? There
not possibly be happier. I love Moritz with every ounce of my being. is still a lot of ignorance and intolerance in the world. The LGBT community, for
Rage: The show itself is unique yet it brings to mind other Broadway successes such as Jesus example, is openly discriminated against. Fortunately, my fellow cast members
Christ Superstar or West Side Story... the eternal triangle of love, friendship and tragedy. Can agree with me and actively contribute to organizations seeking equality such as
you discuss the similarities and the differences? Broadway Impact (broadwayimpact.com).
TT: The themes in Spring Awakening are universal, relevant and have certainly Rage: Yeah, I would imagine just like the Rentheads, you have groupies who go and see the
been explored in previous musicals but no other show has presented them with show over and over again. Can you please tell me about this?
as much heart. Also, I think it is rare to find a show that uses truthful representa- TT: Spring Awakening has a truly astounding fan base. They are so generous and
10 RAGE monthly | november 2009
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