Hit Musical “Spring Awakening” Will Rock Ithaca College

03/25/13

Next in the line-up of Ithaca College Theatre’s 2012–2013 season is “Spring Awakening”. With music by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater, the musical is based on the play by Frank Wedekind. Staged in the Clark Theatre, performances of “Spring Awakening” will be held at 8 p.m. on March 26, 28, 29, 30, and continue April 2-6. Matinee performances will be held at 2 p.m. on March 30 and 31 and April 6. A talkback with dramaturg will follow the 2 p.m. performance on April 6. Audiences are advised that the production contains mature language, sexual content, violence and partial nudity.

Please note that as of February, tickets to all performances of “Spring Awakening” are sold out. Occasionally tickets get released for resale and patrons may call the ticket office at (607) 274-3224, Monday through Friday, 12¬5 p.m. to inquire. A waitlist begins at the Dillingham ticket office one hour before the performance time. Tickets are sold off the waitlist on a cash-only basis. For more information, visit www.ithaca.edu/theatre or www.facebook.com/ICtheatrearts.

Frank Wedekind’s play “Spring Awakening: A Children’s Tragedy” was first performed in Berlin in 1906 amidst much controversy. The play follows a group of school children, including the overly sheltered Wendla Bergmann and the more mature Melchior Gabor. The play explores the dark aspects of teen sexuality, and as young students’ lives intertwine, they are drastically altered and scarred by the emotional neglect of their parents and teachers.

The musical version of “Spring Awakening” was written by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater in the late 1990s. It transferred to Broadway in 2006, where it eventually won eight Tony Awards and has since been performed across the world. The musical is noted for its alternative rock score infused with German Expressionism.

Director Norm Johnson has said the intimate space of the Clark Theatre has made the artistic process of staging the play a lot more personal. He feels that both the children and adult characters have had the chance to develop and become “fleshed out”.

“I told the cast I believe this play has survived because it tells a very universal tale of something that every one of us has gone through,” Johnson said. “Take that story, add a really wonderful contemporary score, and the angst and joys of maturing are made very clear.”

Produced by the faculty and students of Ithaca College, “Spring Awakening” features Mary Corsaro as the choreographer and Joel Gelpe as the musical director. Designers include Amanda Perry ’13 (scenic), Anna Eden ’14 (costumes), Jason Fok ’13 (lighting) and Miriam Milder ’13 (sound). Artistic staff includes Alexander Pitt ’14 (technical director), Hannah Goldstein ’13 (stage manager) and Jazzmin Bonner ’13 (dramaturg).

A nationally recognized theatre-training program, the Department of Theatre Arts attracts students from across and outside the United States. Throughout the season, students present all aspects of theatre in a professional model.

Dillingham Center accommodates all patrons. Individuals with special needs are asked to contact (607) 274-3224 to request accommodations as soon as possible

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Spring Awakening
Directed by Norm Johnson
Choreographed by Mary Corsaro
Musical Direction by Joel Gelpe
Music by Duncan Sheik, Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater
Based on the play by Frank Wedekind
March 26- April 6
Ticket prices range from $5.50- $11
Ithaca College Theatre – 953 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY
Box Office: (607) 274-3224 – www.ithaca.edu/mainstage
 

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