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Wellesley Theatre Project (WTP) will present the Tony Award-winning rock musical “Spring Awakening” on Friday, March 24; Saturday, March 25; Sunday, March 26; Saturday, April 1; and Sunday, April 2. WTP will mount this fully-staged work in a “blackbox theater” setting within a temporarily transformed Wellesley Community Center, located at 219 Washington Street, Wellesley Hills. Tickets may be purchased online at www.wellesleytheatreproject.org. Tickets in advance are $18 for adults, $12 for students and seniors; if purchased at the door. $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors.
When “Spring Awakening” debuted on Broadway in 2006, it took home eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Told by Grammy award winner Duncan Sheik and author and lyricist Steven Sater through what Entertainment Weekly called, “the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade,” “Spring Awakening” explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. The powerful story and angsty score follows a group of late nineteenth-century German students on their passage as they navigate teenage self-discovery and coming of age anxiety in a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion.
“Spring Awakening” is based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 drama, “Frühlings Erwachen,” a work considered in its day to be so scandalous and daring that it was banned from the stage and not performed in its complete form in English for nearly 100 years. In the musical adaptation, 19th Century adolescents confined in repressive, restrictive lives utilize a contemporary pop/rock score to channel their inner thoughts and share their deep yearnings, along with their painful and joyous stories.
The work has clear relevance in today’s world, since it depicts the classic struggles teens face as they traverse the rocky path through adolescence. It also highlights the critical need for open communication, understanding, and support from the adults within a society.
”Working with the students on this challenging material has been really exciting,” says Director Ben Rush. “Every single actor has risen to the occasion and brought lots of thought and care to the production. Sadly, the lessons to be learned in this timeless tale resonate today just as much as it did when the original play premiered in 1906. We are honored to bring it to our community.”
Wellesley Theatre Project’s production of “Spring Awakening” is presented with a talented cast of thirteen local high school students residing in Wellesley as well as neighboring communities including Medfield, Dover, Sherborn, Waban, Natick, and Roxbury. The cast includes Lily Brenneman, Francesca D’Angelo, Amanda Dye, Breene Halaby, Mace Sciera, Ryan Sciera, Jack Mayer, John Player, Hannah Scholl, Jackie Scholl, Cody Smith, John Stembridge, and Lauren Waite.
WTP’s “Spring Awakening” production team includes: Ben Rush, Director and Scenic Designer; Hannah Shihdanian, Choreographer; Eric Anderson Jr., Musical Director; Alexa Lambert, Stage Manager; and Megan Pillsbury, Costume Designer. The book and lyrics are by Steven Sater and music is by Duncan Sheik.
“Spring Awakening” includes mature content, subject matter and strong language; it may not be suitable for younger audiences. Parental discretion is advised. WTP will hold a talk-back discussion with the cast and artistic team immediately following the productions on March 24 and April 1.
For more information about “Spring Awakening” or classes and productions, visit www.wellesleytheatreproject.org or call (781- 235-1550).
