Coming-of-age rock musical ‘Spring Awakening’ rises up in Scranton on Jan. 10-12
From a press release:
Transporting audiences to conservative 19th-century Germany, where young love, rebellion, and the search for self-expression collide, the Scranton Shakespeare Festival will present the Tony and Grammy Award-winning rock musical “Spring Awakening” for one weekend only – Friday, Jan. 10 through Sunday, Jan. 12 – at The Shakes Space inside The Marketplace at Steamtown.
This haunting, thought-provoking show by Steven Sater (book and lyrics) and Duncan Sheik (music, 1996’s “Barely Breathing”) is based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play and explores themes of adolescence, sexuality, women’s reproductive health, mental health, and the consequences of repression. “Spring Awakening” highlights the struggles of a group of teenagers who navigate the complex emotions and realities of growing up in a parentocracy filled with oppression and ignorance. With a blend of gritty, rock-infused melodies and poetic, poignant lyrics, the musical offers a raw and unflinching look at the journey into adulthood.
The new production will feature a cast of the college-aged alumni of the festival’s Youth Ensemble and will be directed by the festival’s Director of Education, Lizzie Newcomb Gumula. Stephen Murphy, vocalist/keyboardist of Scranton pop rock bands Black Tie Stereo and Modern Ties, will bring the electric rock score to life with choreography by Kelly Jean Graham. This will also be the very first production featuring the alumni of the festival’s educational programming, including the talents of Nina Collarini, Ethan Symuleski, Madelyn Casey, Theodore Novak, Sarah Pugliese, Ryan Repecki, Max Snyder, De’Andre Bridges, Daniel Almonte, Mary McHugh, Hannah Sottile, and Gianna Evans.
“‘Spring Awakening’ is a transformative story to tell right now that resonates with today’s generation and successfully wrestles with topics that are uncomfortable and not often discussed in public spaces,” said director Lizzie Gumula.
“This title hasn’t been produced in Scranton for nearly a decade, and we are very excited to share this piece with the community.”
Additionally, the Scranton Shakespeare Festival – a nonprofit organization founded by a board of local community members and theatre professionals hailing from Northeastern Pennsylvania – has become community partners with the Catherine McAuley Center and Friends of the Poor to provide post-show talkbacks and will be accepting donations of period products at the performances to raise awareness for and give access to menstrual health.
“Spring Awakening” will be begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10 and Saturday, Jan. 11 and at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12 at The Shakes Space (300 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton). Tickets, which are $25, are on sale now at scrantonshakes.com; group and school tickets are available.
This show is part of an off-season lineup that included Scranton Shakes’ third pantomime version of “Cinderella” back in December and an upcoming production of “The Shadow of a Gunman” on Thursday, March 6 through Sunday, March 9 that continues to push boundaries by celebrating Scranton’s deep connection to Irish heritage by introducing audiences to the plays that have helped define both Irish and international stages.
Set against the backdrop of war-torn Dublin during the Irish War of Independence, the play weaves a powerful tale of mistaken identity, political unrest, and the harsh realities of life in a conflicted city. Resonating now as much as it did nearly a century ago, playwright Séan O’Casey masterfully explores themes of heroism, fear, and the fine line between courage and cowardice.
“SSF is committed to curating high-caliber theatre that appeals to various audiences,” said founder and Artistic Director Michael Bradshaw Flynn.
“This off-season lineup features programming for fun family holiday excursions, sophisticated explorations of deep content with our exceptionally talented youth ensemble alums, and a play that connects with our area’s Irish heritage and themes that are most prevalent in the world today.”
