Jim Taulli
Jim Taulli, associate dean of the College of Arts at California State University, Fullerton, has been tapped to direct the Chapman University Department of Theatre’s next production, “Spring Awakening,” which will run October 24-26 and November 7-9 in Chapman’s Waltmar Theatre.
The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Spring Awakening” is a rock musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind’s 1891 German expressionist dramatic masterpiece about teenage self-discovery. Wedekind’s frank and, for its time, shocking play, subtitled “A Children’s Tragedy,” was banned in Germany for some time because it included themes of sex, homosexuality, child abuse and rape.
The musical adaptation, with score by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater, is set in late 19th-century Germany and covers the same ground, exploring the confusion and desperation that ensue when the onrushing tide of hormones meets the ignorance of children, and celebrating the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood. The Broadway musical production premiered in December 2010 and received nearly unanimous positive reviews. In addition to its eight Tony Awards, it won four Drama Desk Awards and the Grammy Award for Best Original Cast Album.
“Spring Awakening” includes mature themes and strong language, which has made it controversial at some venues. It is not suitable for all audiences, and not recommended for those under 16.
The musical runs Oct. 24-26 and Nov. 7-9 at 7:30 p.m. in Waltmar Theatre, with additional shows 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 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. Map, directions and parking information: www.chapman.edu/discover/maps-directions
Jim Taulli currently holds the position of associate dean in the College of the Arts at California State University, Fullerton. Before taking on the duties of associate dean, Taulli was chair of CSUF’s Department of Theatre and Dance. As a professor of theatre, he specializes in the areas of directing, musical theatre and acting. He has directed more than 150 productions and events for various professional and university theatres across the country. His professional directorial credits include Les Miserablés (Anseong, South Korea), The Little Match Girl (Segerstrom Hall and Paris, France) South Pacific and Damn Yankees (Saddleback CLO). and 24 Hours, a musical that was produced at the Stella Adler Theatre and for which Taulli was nominated for an NAACP Award for best direction of a musical. He is the recipient of two Kennedy Center Medallions and in 2013 was recognized nationally as best director of a musical by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival for his production of Godspell.
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