‘Spring Awakening’ promises to heat up the stage with sex, angst and rock ‘n’ roll


team building set

Stage crews work on the set for the rock musical “Spring Awakening,” which will include several classroom chairs assembled into the shape of an abstract tree.


Sometimes shocking and always thought-provoking, the Tony Award-winning rock musical
Spring Awakening
, which explores adolescent sexual angst, will rock the stage at Waltmar Theatre Oct. 24-26 and Nov. 7-9.

The rock musical is an adaptation by lyricists and playwrights Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater of a classic play written in 1891 by the German playwright Frank Wedekind.

In this
Department of Theatre
production, the actors will use handheld microphones – which has become a conceit of the show since the original Broadway production – but will otherwise “feel quite different and much more expressionist,” says guest director Jim Taulli, associate dean of the College of Arts at California State University, Fullerton, who has been tapped to direct the production. A unique set design will be dominated by an abstract tree-of-knowledge constructed of classroom chairs.

In addition, Chapman’s production will feature choreography by Jennifer Backhaus ‘94, founder and artistic director of award-winning
Backhausdance
.

With strong themes of sex, homosexuality, child abuse and rape, as well as strong language,
Spring Awakening
is not suitable for all audiences, and not recommended for those younger than 16.

The musical runs Thursdays through Saturdays, Oct. 24-26 and Nov. 7-9 at 7:30 p.m. in Waltmar Theatre, with additional shows Saturdays, Oct. 26 and Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now, at $20 general admission, $15 senior citizens/Chapman alumni/non-Chapman students, and $10 Chapman students/faculty/staff with current ID. Advance tickets may be purchased online at
www.chapman.universitytickets.com
or by calling the Chapman University Ticket Office at 714-997-6812 (open M-F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Any remaining tickets will be available at the door.

Dawn Bonker

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