Spring Awakening CD signing

This past Wednesday I went to Virgin in Times Square where the cast of Spring Awakening was performing and signing the cast recording. I have mixed feelings because the show is certainly not without it's flaws. But I have fallen in love with the music. The score is gorgeous, lush and original. I'd even go so far as to say mesmerizing because I lost count after twenty listens. Many times as soon as I reach the end I start it over. Duncan Sheik (yes "Barely Breathing" Duncan Sheik) composed the incredible score and Steven Sater wrote the lyrics. They were on hand to sign along with the immensely talented, beautiful young cast.

The cast sang "Touch Me", which Duncan introduced as his favorite song, followed by "Totally F*cked." It was a lot of fun to watch them perform. The energy was leaping off the stage. Many of them were grinning from ear-to-ear and looking up at all the people on all the floors of the store watching their performance. It was so endearing. (Or, to quote PJ, "They're not jaded yet.")

Following the performance, the cast signed the CD as well as other memorabilia. As a big fan-geek that has gone to lots of events like this, this was one of the best experiences I've had. It was well-organized and the cast could not have been sweeter. Each of them was very kind and chatty. I had a Playbill signed (thanks PJ for the extra) because, as I explained to Duncan and Steven, I purchased the recording on Itunes and therefore had no actual CD to be signed. Duncan said that was smarter because it's so much cheaper. And then they both asked if I got the bonus track on Itunes "There Once Was A Pirate" and what I thought. They both seemed to really like that song as Steven described it as "beautiful." I asked them why it was cut and Steven explained there were so many songs that were cut they'd have two more shows. I suggested doing a benefit show with the cut songs and Steven said "We could call it Spring Awakening Not!" Before moving on to the rest of the cast I told them I hope they win the Tony to which Duncan replied and laughed, "Thanks you so much. But I don't want to think about it!"

The cast proceeded to squeeze their autographs onto the Playbill. Again they were all so sweet. Everyone said hello, asked your name, etc. There were so many cast members they didn't all fit at the table. The only one missing was Jonathan B. Wright who was sick. Since I have every original cast members signature on the Playbill I hope to meet him sometime and ask him to sign. Hopefully he is feeling better because, like the entire cast, he is excellent in the show.

Here are some photos - enjoy! (Click on the thumbnails for larger images.)