Episode 1 - Vlog of Purple Summer: Backstage at SPRING AWAKENING with Andy Mientus

[@gracerogerz]

Ali Stroker is so important to me. I was born with a condition that put me in a wheelchair but being introduced to her through The Glee Project and now seeing her on Broadway in such a poignant beautiful show gives me the push I need to pursue my dream of being an actress no matter the physical boundaries.

[@alyssadonahue1487]

"Here we have Broadway's Krysta Rodriguez back where she belongs" I FREAKING AGREE. Oh and I almost started crying when Josh was explaining how it feels. This cast is so amazing!!

[@ZackPaslay]

I love when Camryn says "it was back in '83" about bartending and Marlee signs "83 years ago" and Camryn's the only one to catch it. I died laughing. Haha.

[@TheDramaGirl7]

Andy's eyes r so gorgeous

[@sadiebaldock5761]

Yes they are

[@Lario64]

8:53 And by looking at that shirt i realised Alex Boniello was one of the background singers in 21 Chump Street.

[@michaelwilliamybarra2409]

Also one of the other background singers in 21 Chump Street was Gerard Canonico(now best known as Rich in Be More Chill), who himself was part of the Ensemble/Male Understudies(except for Melchior) in the original Broadway run and then later took over for the role of Moritz till the end of that production! So now we have TWO Moritz who were apart of 21 Chump Street!

[@annak9096]

Alex Boniello, you adorable nerd.

[@josephdefilippis07]

Wasn’t he in the OBC of Dear Evan Hansen?

[@jparnham1931]

@@josephdefilippis07 Not obc, he replaced Mike faist who was the og Connor Murphy

[@ally.gg04]

Josh crying while watching Sandra do Mama Who Bore Me is the only mood

[@Alyssa_Reape]

And the award for most adorable human on the planet goes to Andy Mientus

[@kcorona7715]

I'm way too in love with this entire cast.

[@carolineg.5944]

I love how Marlee just perches herself on top of Camryn when she lays on their couch :) ❤

[@sarahvenable4710]

They're literally soul sisters!!! Camryn and Marlee have such a sweet sisterly connection!!! 🤟🏻🦋💚

[@yaya-mk3nn]

MORE OF DANIEL DAVID STEWART AND JOSH CASTILLE I LOVE THE ERNSTS SO MUCH GAH

[@kerahbundy5705]

Ikr. I have a habit of calling every Ernst, Gideon. No matter who is playing him, I even call the character Gideon at this point. But Josh and Daniel are still Josh and Daniel to me, because they're perfect.

[@bizarrebobcat]

9:24 HE'S WEARING THE T-SHIRT HE WORE WHEN HE DID 21 CHUMP STREET I AM NOT OK

[@TheZeitergeist3]

Can you introduce us to the director of this production? I think you may know him...

[@ColleenMcArdle789]

omg i hope he does. been obsessed w michael arden since pmp hunchback

[@Torafaruga]

Colleen McArdle michael is andy’s husband lmao

[@xxdarkknight420xx2]

@@Torafaruga they're both so freaking adorable

[@Janne]

Oh my gosh, this was even better than I expected. This is gonna be phenomenal. It's also awesome to see official CCs. You should have an ASL 'Phrase of the Week' type segment! And I'm always curious to hear about people's rituals in preparing for a show. :)

[@aliciaz6224]

rewatching these for the millionth time because I love it

[@KenBernardez]

I'm just obsessed with Deaf West Production of Spring Awakening on Broadway!!! Just wow!

[@Minunat12]

IM CRYING I LOVE ANDY AND SPRING AWAKING

[@ryah7501]

Rewatching for the billionth time, this will always be my fav cast ever lol (I know the fandom is dead but to anyone who is still out there… Can I get a hEaVeN tOuCh???)

[@didi1232001]

I JUST DECIDED TO REWTACH THIS SERIES WAIT-

[@ryah7501]

@@didi1232001 HELLO FELLOW PERSON!!! HI!!! WELCOME!!! PLEASE DON’T LEAVE :DDDDD

[@raekumor]

hEaVen tOuch!!!!

[@lulusobel8643]

HEAVEN TOUCH

[@skatesnlaces09]

Andy Mientus is back in the show!!! I am SOO SOO SOOOOO excited for these vlogs - I saw him on tour and loved the vlogs they made then, these are going to be fabulous!

[@sophkarps8246]

is there going to be a revival cast recording?!

[@georgechlada4868]

I've heard they aren't, because they don't want to exclude the deaf actors. I do hope they preserve this production in some other way, though!

[@sophkarps8246]

@George Chlada yes!! their version of The Song of Purple Summer is magical

[@reubenperez7182]

+

[@kcorona7715]

There has been talk of the show being professionally filmed so idk.

[@Applecatstime]

K Corona yes!! There are an HD recording of the show, but you can only watch it by visiting New York's Central Park library of performance arts, which supposedly is only open to performance arts students and professors.

[@4lifeshaytards]

I love Marlee Matlin! I'm so excited for these vlogs and this show!

[@princesheridan8907]

CURRENTLY OBSESSED SO I'M WATCHING THIS ON REPEAT! AND I'M LEARNING ASL BECAUSE I WANT TO COMMUNICATE TO THIS CAST

[@moosekalz254]

DAMMIT I'M 5 YEARS LATE TO THIS FANDOM PLEASE TELL ME THERE ARE SOME 2020 DWSA FANS

[@adelinereacts]

Me lol👋🏻 Quarantine got me super obsessed w/ DWSA, glad to know I’m not the only one!!

[@coi7146]

2022!

[@lulusobel8643]

2024!

[@sscc121]

im in asl 2 in school and spring awakening is my favorite musical of all time so seeing this come is so bitter sweet because im excited and so happy its back but sad i will probably never get to see it live because i live in texas :(

[@kareneastman9695]

Yay,It's Candy.!!!!I love watching Vlogs of Purple Sumer vids.

[@Skyhmia]

This is so brilliant!! I am so excited about the show (and gutted I can't come) but I love this vlog. It would definitely be great to see more of the cast and a Q and A of some sort would be awesome too. I also love the ASL - could you maybe teach us more signs? Thanks!!

[@andycbutler]

Yes! I loved the Academy vlogs so much! Hope to see more of you & Alex. "Jane, Jane, you can't use that"

[@beepbeepeddie8010]

ive watched this series SO many times but im coming back to it to get some serotonin

[@eve6524]

This gives me something to look forward to after a week at school wooh

[@BeneathMyWillowTree]

YES! So excited that this is happening! I sent you a letter to the theatre the other day so I hope you get it soon :)

[@Gemaryl23]

that felt like 1 minute, not 15. I want to see more so badly.

[@qu33n0fh3arts08]

THIS VLOG MAKES ME SO HAPPY. I REALLY DONT HAVE THE WORDS.

[@MaiaMatiIda]

Alex and Andy are handsome, wow! Amazing musical, wish I could see it live.

[@MissKawaiiGirl1000]

Thing I learnt from this video...the wifi password for the theatre!

[@lio7076]

Thats the Most Beautiful vlog, thanks Andy

[@shannonmurtagh9741]

Oh my god I think this will be my new favourite backstage vlog, do a Q&A with the cast! Ask what everyone's favourite show is, favourite song, dream part :) love you Andy!

[@julietblue1240]

To watch youtube videos with actual subtitles is making me so happy oh my god

[@TheSparkBehindFire]

i was wondering earlier this day when we will see this vlog and now it's here!!!! I am probably a psychic and also so pumped for future vlogs i am in love with this cast and the concept of deaf awakening i only wish i wouldn't live jn germany so that i could be there on opening night!!! I love this so much!!!

[@hannahmarie3871]

OH MY GOD FINALLY!!! I LOVE ANDY AND THE SHOW!!!

[@sonnymolly4586]

I've seen Ren's KZbin videos! Now she's on Broadway! So proud of her

[@MichaelaSlone]

I love when these vlogs go back stage during a show!!!

[@GracieUnger]

ANDY AND AUSTIN

[@emilybaker5428]

already bought my tickets to see the show in december. words can't describe how excited i am.

[@dennispetragnani6956]

I am so excited you are doing this vlog! Glad that you are back in New York to be a part of this major milestone for Broadway. I hope you can use your " influence " with a certain director and have him be a part of this vlog! Would love to hear his thoughts about bringing this show back to Broadway in such an emotional and inspirational way! Looking forward to more episodes! Can't wait to see the production!!!

[@paulineeeee]

This makes me smile so much! Can't wait for more vlogs! Love you, Andy~ ^_^

[@nicoleblackwood2783]

I'm SO excited that this is happening - all of it, the show and the vlog! I can't wait until opening night. I think I speak for many people when I say that I'd love to see Andy talk to Michael Arden (shouldn't be too hard for him to do, obviously!), particularly about the origins of his take on the show and how everything came to pass. Andy covered his own SA origin story in this video; now I want Michael's!

[@ashlynweatherford5271]

I'm so excited! I was hoping there would be a vlog for Spring Awakening! I can't come to see it in New York but I can live vicariously through the vlog!!

[@izzysala1744]

Yesterday was such a horrible day for me and this video brightened it. Thanks!

[@shannonwynne1613]

So glad I got to see this before the transfer! Maybe we could see the director...?

[@lulusobel8643]

I very much liked seeing the interview with the mamas

[@nataliealvarado6155]

this is THE show i want to see this season!!! im so excited :D

[@my_mello-ue4qt]

I'm SO excited for this show! Wish I could watch them when I visit next year from Thailand(I WISH) P.S. LOVE Marlee since she starred in 'Switch at Birth'..and I knew Camryn fron somewhere..

[@baseballgirly713]

ANDY IS SO ADORABLE

[@Maileonsaga]

THIS MADE ME SO HAPPY!! SO EXCITED FOR SPRING AWAKENING

[@mariadamaso5461]

Ok the real question is how was Alex cast through Twitter?

[@gilatbailen6930]

YOU WERE SO AMAZING IN THE SHOW LAST NIGHT!!

[@hannahp7252]

I love Andy

[@CorvidCastle]

okay, this is a weird request, but can you ask Daniel (as in the voice of Ernst; there are too many damn Daniels in this cast) if he was in an ihop commercial? bc i'm pretty sure i saw him in an ihop commercial and i haven't been able to confirm whether or not it was him. also, can we get the sign names of all the cast members?

[@melodygleek34]

He was! I asked him on Twitter a while ago haha

[@shaynalebowitz4096]

ok ik this is a old comment but "damn daniels" killed me

[@emmyruegg5596]

This is such an old comment but in crackling over there being ‘too many damn daniels’

[@persiancarpet7347]

YAYAYAYAAYAYAYAYA SO EXCITED FOR THESE VLOGS

[@ajkargbo2684]

I loved at the end when Andy says i'll be back for more candy later

[@torieriavez7704]

I loved this video, so excited for more!! Maybe you can do a Q&A with the cast?

[@IWillBeHers]

Andy, I saw you in the original tour cast of SA back in 2009. Seems like SO much time has passed since then, but I'm so glad you're back in blonde as Hanschen :)

[@rachelcoppe6978]

He is an angel I love him

[@andyparker9871]

Did anyone else catch “Daniel David Stewart, voice of Otto”? also yes I’m watching this in 2019

[@emmyruegg5596]

andy parker same

[@dancer2989]

I'm so proud that Cameryn Manheim is fluent in ASL.

[@SlowxParentsCrossing]

This show and vlog is the reason I watched switched at birth, so going back and rewatching this has been so awesome 😊

[@frostedjosieos]

I thin we just need an Ali Stroker segment. Nothing specific, just "So, Ali, what do you have to say today?"

[@---lh2yj]

I already love this cast.

[@meganjolii6393]

Can we see you guys' backstage warm-ups? I'm so excited to see this show!!!!

[@IzzyHumair]

ONE YEAR AGO NOT GONE IM GOING TO SHOVE MY HEAD INTO HAY

[@liliawolf1621]

Izzy Humair that's a mood.

[@lulusobel8643]

@@liliawolf1621yeah

[@8shaven]

I want to see you and Michael!!!!! 💚💚💚💚💚

[@alexandra-gt3be]

i am so proud of them

[@captainKbobkeeshan]

The show was fantastic!!!

[@catherinebadillo]

YESSSSSS I LOVE SPRING AWAKENING

[@dianaparadise2048]

treshelle is gorgeous im so gay

[@AlexTheCrayChick]

shinji ikari ME

[@catherinebadillo]

IM SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW OMGGGGGG

[@sophkarps8246]

im so excited for the rest of these vlogs!!

[@BetteDavis19]

Who did this editing the transitions are new!

[@janetleyva6685]

The fact that I know Marlee and her kids still blows my mind.

[@amirulzain]

Joshua Castille is deaf right, which means that Daniel David Stewart should be Voice of Ernst, not Otto. Btw, does Josh Castille wear hearing aids?

[@kerahbundy5705]

Josh has the hearing aids that are really hard to see. Mine is very bulky and visible. I am jealous. lol.

[@ohail]

I believe in one ear he's 80% deaf and in another is 45%. Or something like that.

[@thequeennotthecity]

IM SO EXCITED FOR THIS! We did a Spring Awakening piece at the Broadway Theatre Project this summer, and I am having such nostalgia! Also, if you have access to an N64 (or a simulator) you should check out Pokemon Puzzle League ;)

[@cacnoose47]

Is Josh Castille deaf? I read somewhere that he is but how is he able to hear what Andy says without him signing? My knowledge on deafness isn't exactly that wide so I apologise for my ignorance and if this might be offensive :(

[@max.squared]

yes josh is deaf

[@kerahbundy5705]

I don't think he's 100% deaf. He can still hear to a small extent with hearing aids, and he can talk pretty well, but he still signs. An example: I'm 80% deaf in one ear, and 10% deaf in the other ear. The ear with more hearing loss, I wear a hearing aid in, so I can hear pretty well for the most part, and I can talk almost perfectly. I'm pretty sure Josh is like that, just a little more severe.

[@Sam-qf5pq]

Nusra also he could probably lip read?

[@Sam-qf5pq]

Nusra maybe

[@teresan.3507]

Nusra he's hard of hearing!

[@Theordoreqaz]

Finally!

[@sionacaldwell452]

I'm so happy that you're back on vlogging!! I was wondering if you could talk about what it's like to be back in New York and if you've seen les mis sense you've been back or any of the people??

[@maryburchill1958]

i squealed when i saw this!! Yes to this vlog yes yes yes!!!!!!

[@dxlia4377]

i miss this cast so much

[@Gigglepud]

YAAAAAS It's here :D i'm so excited i just know i'm going to love this

[@kmsfieldhockey32]

Literally perfect.

[@gabsalot7249]

I love how they got Andy to do the vlogs😂😂

[@rosemcesw]

I need tickets to this show!!!

[@Ilustrado649]

Marlee Matlin has a portrait stored in the attic that ages on her behalf. She is stunning in looks and talent.

[@graciebarton8512]

this is random but when i heard the musician swing in the background playing the smashing pumpkins on guitar i just 🥰🥰 (3:51)

[@annieohhhhyes]

Ugh 10/12s are SO LONG. And yet I miss doing them. Gotta get back in a show ASAP!

[@salamanderjones7064]

lol the side eye in the background @ 6:23

[@jordannickel-dubin9851]

Isn't Daniel David Stewart the voice of Ernst, not Otto? Or both of them?

[@selectedshipper8282]

“How do you feel?” “Sick” “But this is sick” “This is SICK“

[@meljayne113]

Alex’s shirt is the one he wore in 21 chump street :)

[@gemdropped]

you guys played say the same thing!! THERE'S AN APP FOR IT-

[@melissamoore8558]

Amazing!!!! Are captions in the works?

[@charliep123]

I love Alex Boniello so much omg