An awakening is blooming at Memorial Auditorium. Act V’s production of “Spring Awakening” will be bold, energetic and entertaining once it arrives on stage later this week.
“Spring Awakening” contains strong adult content and will be uncensored. The show’s director, Christopher Ericson, decided it would make more sense to keep the show as it is. It would also take away the show’s meaning and what it stands for to censor certain parts. Ericson went through an approval process involving University President George F. “Jody” Harpster and Vice President for Student Affairs Roger L. Serr.
“Spring Awakening” fuses mortality, rock ‘n’ roll and sexuality into one thrilling musical. The production showcases the journey of finding yourself and exploring your body. The musical is set in Germany during the late 19th century.
“Spring Awakening” opened on Broadway in 2006. The musical was critically acclaimed and won eight Tony Awards, including “Best Musical” in 2007. The musical saw a Broadway revival in fall 2015. The revival closed on Broadway this past January.
The audience should be aware that the underlying message of the musical is very important. “[The audience] should take away the idea that kids are growing up, experiencing sex and it’s OK and normal,” Ericson said.
“Even if the audience does not like the message, it will make them think,” Ericson said.
Ericson said the cast has put 110 percent into the production, which really showed just from watching the rehearsal.
Act V’s production of “Spring Awakening” will be presented at Memorial Auditorium at 8 p.m. on April 21, 22 and 23, and at 2 p.m. on April 23 and 24.
Tickets are $5 with SU ID, and $7 for the general public.
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