“Spring Awakening” is produced by IronArts Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Jacob Darner)

MARQUETTE — In the middle of uncertain times, Art is often the beacon we need to keep us alert, alive, and hopeful. IronArts’ intimate interpretation of the powerful rock musical “Spring Awakening,” taking place at the Ore Dock Brewery this week through Thursday, is an immersive night of storytelling that sheds light on the deeper struggles we all face.

Under the innovative direction of Eliisa Gladwell, “Spring Awakening” tells the story of adolescents struggling to explore their own sexuality in late-nineteenth century Germany. A striking juxtaposition of historical drama told through a powerful folk-infused rock score, Gladwell’s choreography and staging brings the audience into the story from literally all angles. Expect to be blown away by the “surround sound” vocals of this all-star ensemble, coached by music directors Caitlin Palomaki and Lucas Wickstrom, as you experience a beautiful, often heart-wrenching story that is perfectly suited for the intimate setting of the Ore Dock.

I believe there is nothing more powerful than theatre that gets under your skin by tackling difficult themes. From the first scene, we see young Wendla, played sensitively by Malorie Munson, drawing the audience in through her passionate rendition of “Mama Who Bore Me.” Munson’s stellar voice coupled with her expressive acting is impressive throughout as she captures the often painful feelings of sexual self-discovery under the rigid judgment of traditional values.

Speaking of great voices, Andy Vanwelsenaers delivers a strong performance as the arrogant, strong-willed Melchior. Vanwelsenaers handles the powerful rock belting with ease, while also capturing the quieter moments with sensitivity and showing us a character that is conflicted underneath an angry outer shell.

At the heart of this story is the tortured and innocent Moritz, played with incredible grace by Joseph Pickens. Not an easy character to tackle, Pickens drew me in from his first moment on stage, portraying the painfully awkward “boy-becoming-man” with both humor and angst. Indeed, Pickens’ ability to convey a gamut of emotions as the story unfolded was always honest and real.

I can’t get too far down the page without mentioning the top notch delivery of multiple adult characters throughout the story by veteran local actors Tom Laitinenan and Ella Filipowicz. Laitinen’s nuanced and honest approach to his characters is on full display here, and Filipowicz treats each role with unique attention and precision. The dynamic chemistry and impeccable performances that these two bring to the stage is the glue that holds the story together and without them, many important moments would fall flat.

Not enough can be said about this incredible ensemble cast and the way these actors carry the story from beginning to end. Two duets, “The Dark I Know Well” between Martha and Ilse – played by Nadia Findley and Caitlin Palomaki, and “Don’t Do Sadness/Blue Wind” between Moritz and Ilse are gorgeously done. Finley and Palomaki each convey the stark horror of being victims of abuse, through their haunting voices and compelling acting. Morgan Behrend and Sophia Balzarini round out the female ensemble with vibrant energy, strong vocals and a tangible chemistry that makes the girls of the story a joy to watch each moment they’re on stage together.

The male ensemble balances the women well with their energetic comradery. Quinn Skelly as Hanschen and Miles Knowlin as Ernst each tell their characters’ stories with sensitive ease, and Bryce Genovese and Leo Keatoaon strengthen the male ensemble with excellent vocals and acting throughout. Another highlight is the song “Touch Me” in its beautiful staging, contrasted with a hard-to-miss rowdy number in Act 2 that is sure to blow you away (you’ll know it when you see it!). Every moment the full cast is on stage is exciting, with striking visual pictures made complete by Emmye Wiig’s outstanding costume design and Vic Holliday’s dynamic lighting design.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable night of theatre that is more than just surface-level, Iron Arts’ “Spring Awakening” will not disappoint. I guarantee tickets will be selling fast for this production, so I urge you to purchase them while you still can!

Performances of “Spring Awakening” are Monday through Thursday at Ore Dock Brewing Co. Tickets are available at www.ironartstheatre.org or at the door before each performance.

Please note this production addresses sensitive adult themes, including sexual content and suicide.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sara Parks is a local actor and artistic director of Superior Arts Youth Theater.