Question One In your opinion, why did the theatre department at UIUC choose to produce the rock musical, "Spring Awakening?" Response I think the Theatre Department chose to produce Spring Awakening for several reasons. First of all, it is a very creative and influential work in the history of musical theatre and theatre, which also won tons of significant awards in the realm of theatre (like Tony Award) and music (like Grammy Award). In my opinion, the Theatre Department produce Spring Awakening to emphasize its artistic value and influence, and to show respect to this great piece of art at the same time. Secondly, I think Theatre Department produces Spring Awakening to present the audience (mostly students at UIUC) the charm of musicals, which is considered to be the most popular type of theatre in Broadway and even across the nation. Since many of us may not have a chance to go to Broadway, producing Spring Awakening here offers us a chance to appreciate a great musical more conveniently. Last but not least, the conceptual meaning of this play is still worthwhile for adolescents and their parents today to learn about. Although the historical background for this play is late 19th century in Germany, many of the conceptions that the playwright wanted to convey, for example, sexuality, violence, domestic abuse, abortion, homosexuality and suicide are still essential issues for adolescents and young adults today. A majority of the obstacles, ambiguities and pursuits of the characters in the performance are still major problems of many youngsters nowadays, which lack of good solutions. As for a specific example, when Moritz was told that he failed the final exam, his after reacted him with disdain, blame and contempt rather can care and inspiration, which is part of the reason of Moritz's suicide. Today, there are still many adolescents who commit a suicide because they are not able to cope with the stress from failure at school and blames from their parents/teachers. I went to see the performance on Mom's weekend and I noticed that there was many parents watching attended this production. Producing Spring Awakening offers a chance for parents to know more about their children, and for adolescents/youngsters in the university to know more about themselves and how to deal with major problems in their lives. Question Two What do you feel this production of Spring Awakening communicated to the audience? Support your conc