University Theater presents the rock musical “Spring Awakening”
University Theater presents its next main stage performance, the rock musical “Spring Awakening,” opening Friday, Nov. 10, in Bliss Hall’s Ford Theater.
The show will run for two weekends, Nov. 10-12 and Nov. 17-19. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinee performances begin at 2 p.m.
Steven Sater is the playwright and lyricist, while Duncan Sheik is the composer. Directed by C. Austin Hill, assistant professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, “Spring Awakening” is based on a play, by the same name, written by Frank Wedekind in 1891. The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Spring Awakening” opened on Broadway in 2006.
“The story — both that of the musical, and that of Wedekind’s play — is a tale of two generations,” said Hill. “The older sees the younger as unmotivated, selfish, entitled, emotional, immature, sensitive, self-centered, naïve and morally corruptible. This, the older generation thinks, means that they need protection — even from themselves.”
Touted as one of “the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade," by Entertainment Weekly, “Spring Awakening” explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. The landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock and roll that is exhilarating audiences across the nation like no other musical in years.
“One of the reasons I wanted so badly to direct this musical is that it gives me a chance to shape the future — to cause an audience full of Millennials to shake off their fantastical versions of their world and to see things as they are,” explained Hill. “What better way to do that than to put them onstage. By seeing things as they are, perhaps they will work to change the ways that we talk to young people—about sex, about their bodies, about depression, pregnancy, abortion, suicide, pleasure, queerness and, about ‘reality.’”
The cast includes Leah Tekac of Pulaski, Pa., BFA Musical Theater; Mason Edmunds of Poland, Ohio, BA Theater Studies, Film/Video; Daniel Navabi of Columbus, Ohio, BFA Musical Theater; Jessica Hirsh of Pepper Pike, Ohio, BFA Musical Theater; Emily Begala of Poland, Ohio, BS Early Childhood Education; Ben Mowrer of Independence, Ohio, BFA Musical Theater; Mac Callahan of Stoutsville, Ohio, BFA Musical Theater; Wesley Miller of Alliance, Ohio, BA Theater Studies; Stefon Funderburke of Farrell, Pa., BFA Musical Theater; Angelique Tanner of Waverly, Ohio, BFA Musical Theater; AnnMarie Lowerre of Butler, Pa., BFA Musical Theater; Nathan Wagner of Ambridge, Pa., BFA Musical Theater; Ciara Rosario of Youngstown, Ohio, BFA Musical Theater; Mia Colon of Youngstown, Ohio, BFA Musical Theater; Rosie Bresson of Canfield, Ohio, BFA, Musical Theater; DJ Davis of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, BA Theater Studies; and Tristan Kile of Ashtabula, Ohio, BFA Musical Theater.
In addition, Department of Theater and Dance professional staff includes Scenic Designer and Lighting Designer, Todd Dicken; Production Manager, Chuck Kettering; Costume Designer, Katherine N. Garlick; Costume Shop Supervisor, Wendy Akers; and Musical Director, graduate student Ian Leroy.
Adult tickets are $16. Special rate tickets are $8 for non-YSU students, YSU faculty and staff with valid ID, senior citizens, Penguin Club members and groups of eight (8) or more. YSU student tickets are free with a valid YSU ID. Tickets are available by calling 330-941-3105 or visiting www.ysu.tix.com.
Parking is in the Wick Avenue M30 deck for a nominal fee. More information is available by calling the Office of Community Engagement and Events at 330-941-2307.