Spring Awakening: Those You've Known

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Spring Awakening: Those You've Known

2022

1h 23m

Documentary

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100%

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10 Reviews

94%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

15 years after the smash, Tony-winning Broadway run of "Spring Awakening," the original cast and creative team reunite for a spectacular, one-night only reunion concert to benefit The Actors Fund. Chronicling their whirlwind journey back to the stage, the film follows the players as they reconnect and rediscover the beauty and timelessness of the hit musical, sharing the show's underdog origins, its path to Tony glory, the universal themes of teenage repression and angst, and the unconventional love story of breakout stars Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele. The documentary pulls back the curtain to showcase the reunited original cast and creative team at rehearsals, in their homes and backstage. The film features electrifying performances from the reunion concert in November 2021, newly filmed interviews, candid archival video and photographs, as well as performance footage from the original 2006 show that went on to sweep the Tonys, winning eight awards, including Best Musical. "Spring Awakening" forever changed the lives of the mostly unknown teenage cast and inspired a generation of fans by laying bare taboo issues of teen love, abortion, abuse, sexual identity and suicide in an unapologetic, edgy rock musical set in the 1890s.

Noel Murray

Los Angeles Times

The cast and creative team’s memories are vivid and moving, as they describe — often while on the verge of tears — how this experience changed their lives...

May 6, 2022

Full Review

Madeline Ducharme

Slate

The people who brought Spring Awakening to life get to relish a true return to their brave, silly, deeply feeling past selves—and so do we, the superfans who remember how seen and understood we were by the show all those years ago.

May 5, 2022

Full Review

Brian Lowry

CNN.com

While the documentary focuses on the young actors and their particular experience, it simultaneously explains why this is one of those productions where each generation appears destined to have its own "Awakening."

May 4, 2022

Full Review

Rachel Wagner

rachelsreviews.net

Theater nerds will enjoy this. Everyone else can skip it.

Rated: 5.5/10

Jun 8, 2022

Full Review

Lex Briscuso

Slashfilm

A Nostalgic Documentary Brimming With Warmth

May 20, 2022

Full Review

Frank J. Avella

Edge Media Network

The doc boasts some amazing look-back footage as well as exciting new moments from the November 2021 reunion concert. It's a fascinating story about a show that no one wanted to see, until it swept the Tony Awards—winning eight—and then everyone did.

Rated: B+

May 14, 2022

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Audience Member

Very interesting documentary, I really appreciated the history and behind-the-scenes story of Spring Awakening. Unfortunately, the doc focused way too heavily on Jonathan Groff and Lea Michelle. I know they are the show's lead 'stars', but they neglected to profile the other amazing talent in the show (e.g. Skylar Astin, Jennifer Damiano, Krysta Rodriguez, etc.). This struck me as a tad narrow and self-indulgent of the producer (Jonathan Groff).

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Amazing! Wish I had seen them perform this back then

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/08/22

Full Review

Audience Member

I was not that familiar with this show, but this was so well executed - I was so emotionally invested in the storyline. The cast seemed so open and thoughtful in sharing their experiences which were expertly weaved with the concert and archival film. Topics as relevant today as they were back then. So glad I watched this one.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

It was a fantastic journey back to a wonderful time in theatre. Love Lea Michele ,Jonathan Goff and the entire cast. Pure talent!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I love it! It is very moving ! The show, the memories of the cast, all amazing

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Incredible, the emotions are so true and raw. It totally deserves to be called one of the best Broadway shows to ever exist.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/19/23

Full Review

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Michael John Warren

Director

Jonathan Groff

Self

Lea Michele

Self

John Gallagher Jr.

Self

Lauren Pritchard

Self

Lilli Cooper

Self

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Synopsis

15 years after the smash, Tony-winning Broadway run of "Spring Awakening," the original cast and creative team reunite for a spectacular, one-night only reunion concert to benefit The Actors Fund. Chronicling their whirlwind journey back to the stage, the film follows the players as they reconnect and rediscover the beauty and timelessness of the hit musical, sharing the show's underdog origins, its path to Tony glory, the universal themes of teenage repression and angst, and the unconventional love story of breakout stars Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele. The documentary pulls back the curtain to showcase the reunited original cast and creative team at rehearsals, in their homes and backstage. The film features electrifying performances from the reunion concert in November 2021, newly filmed interviews, candid archival video and photographs, as well as performance footage from the original 2006 show that went on to sweep the Tonys, winning eight awards, including Best Musical. "Spring Awakening" forever changed the lives of the mostly unknown teenage cast and inspired a generation of fans by laying bare taboo issues of teen love, abortion, abuse, sexual identity and suicide in an unapologetic, edgy rock musical set in the 1890s.

Director: Michael John Warren
Producer: David Sirulnick, Meredith Bennett, Sara Rodriguez
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 3, 2022
Runtime: 1h 23m