Pitt Stages' 'Spring Awakening' is a raw portrait of adolescence with a big heart

The smash hit musical “Spring Awakening” is not for the faint of heart, but Pitt Stages at the University of Pittsburgh put on an amazingly heartfelt show at the opening performance Saturday night at the Charity Randall Theatre in Oakland.

Based on an 1891 German play by Frank Wedekind, “Spring Awakening” debuted on Broadway in 2006 and received eight Tony Awards, including the award for Best Musical. As a nod to both its rebellious sentiments and its 19th century setting, it includes classical, folky tunes with a heavy dose of rock, with music by Duncan Sheik (who had a hit song in 1996 with “Barely Breathing”) and lyrics and book by Steven Sater.

The show follows a cohort of German adolescents in the late 19th century as they deal with serious issues like mental health, pregnancy, sexuality and abuse. While there are moments of levity throughout, it is generally a raw, difficult story with many mature themes and challenging moments.

That being said, Pitt’s production handles those themes with a sensitivity and kindness that complements the frankness of the material. There is even a page in the printed program detailing counseling and crisis resources that are available for those seeking help with trauma or their mental health.

It also helps that the cast of students did an exemplary job of portraying characters who have to deal with some very dire circumstances. This was especially true of Gabriella Walko, playing Wendla, a role that requires both strength and innocence. The loveliness of Walko’s voice was clear from the show’s opener, “Mama Who Bore Me,” and that same loveliness makes the second act’s penultimate number, “Those You’ve Known,” so much more sorrowful (no spoilers here!).

The other female cast members shone in their shared numbers. Sadly, they didn’t get quite as much to work with as the boys, but their interactions were sweet and felt very real, and they harmonized together beautifully in group songs Another standout was found in Katie Gibson as Ilse, who really brought the show home with her part in second act closer “Song of Purple Summer.” She was also tasked with some weighty emotional acting moments, which she carried off compellingly.

On the boys’ side, Hayden Bobbyn led as Melchior, the role with the most demanding dramatic arc of the whole cast. Bobbyn met the challenges, both vocal (especially in “Left Behind”) and acting, bringing Melchior’s joy, anger and grief to life. Andy Levin, as Moritz, was a highlight, with an exceptionally expressive vocal performance that left many in the audience audibly emotional.

The physical acting from the whole cast was top-notch, especially in the musical’s few funny moments. This was aided by the direction of Ricardo Vila-Roger, with a jolt of electrifying choreography by Samantha Pazos and Harry J. Hawkins IV.

On the technical side, there was real “wow factor” to “Spring Awakening” thanks to some well-placed effects like smoke and fog, and especially because of inspired lighting design by Elizabeth Amstutz. The lighting choices, especially well-placed spotlights, really drew the audience into the scenes and set a range of moods perfectly.

“Spring Awakening” could spend more time with some of its characters, however — not the fault of this production, but of the book itself. The songs are often mournful and poetic, and the dialogue feels real. Tt its heart, the musical holds a dark authenticity that transcends generations. Kids from every era, be it the 1890s, the aughts or today, can relate to the feelings and tragedies that Wendla, Melchior and the whole ensemble face. Pitt’s cast brought those timeless struggles to vivid — and often heartbreaking — life.

And do take the “sensitive content” warning seriously — this show isn’t lacking in heavy themes and a few raucous punches of profanity.

Pitt Stages’ production of “Spring Awakening” will run through April 14 at the Charity Randall Theatre in Oakland. Tickets and more information are available at www.play.pitt.edu/production/spring-awakening-0.