Spring Awakening

Spring Awakening

Sydney-based independent theatre company Stagetek Productions is producing multi-award winning Broadway musical Spring Awakening for a very limited season in June 2014.

The winner of eight Tony Awards in 2007 including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Original Score, Spring Awakening, with its modern rock score,is based upon Franz Wedekind’s 1906 play of the same name, which was banned at the time due to its confrontational content. The musical also received four Drama Desk Awards, while the original cast recording won a Grammy Award.

Lloyd Harvey, Susana Downes and Alex Giles, who play the three central roles, teenagers Melchoir, Wendla and Moritz, shared their thoughts on their characters and the musical.

Lloyd Harvey describes his role, Melchior, as “such a complicated, ‘roller-coaster' of a character. His transformation throughout the show as his world falls apart around him is such an exposing and raw experience. Frankly, I was terrified to take it on but I knew that was exactly the reason I had to do it. I am just so grateful to be surrounded by such a talented cast and crew who make this show a complete joy to work on.”

“Lea Michele is one of my absolute idols,” says Susana Downes, “and the fact that I get to play a role that she originated on Broadway (Wendla) is such a dream come true. 

“Even though the show was written in the 1800s, the topics that are presented within the show; domestic violence, suicide, underage sex, homosexuality etc., are still so prominent in today's society. Then, with the addition of rock/folk music intertwined makes it accessible to everyone.

“I've loved being able to work on this show as it's such a stretch and challenge to what I'm used to doing. Physically and emotionally, I have to find places that I don't usually go to when making choices in acting, and while it's been a little scary, it's been so exciting at the same time. 

“I've been able to relate to Wendla Bergman, but only to an extent, obviously. Like her, I grew up in a very nurtured and sheltered household, but, unlike her, I had two parents who were so open and let me learn about how things happen in the real world.”

Spring is a challenging show thematically, emotionally, physically – and most importantly collaboratively,” says Alex Giles (Moritz), “which is why we have been so, so lucky for the talented individuals assembled to build such a strong show from beginning to end.”

“It’s frequently fun and sometimes fantastic. It can be incredibly sad, often confronting and thought provoking, and sometimes it’s just about rocking out.  And it’s all these pieces that fit together form a remarkable piece of contemporary music theatre, done in a way unlike anything you have seen, or will be likely to see again.

“Playing Moritz is both wonderful and terrifying. He is essentially naïve and sweet, while he explores his own demons, leaving him anxious, unintentionally funny, and very confused. So not a lot unlike myself.

“The best part of Spring Awakening is, without question, the team itself. Dealing with the severity of the thematic material is not something to be taken lightly, but with this team of creative and compassionate brains, it has been such a pleasure to address and explore the issues while still able to enjoy the light-hearted moments along with it.

“Every member of the cast and crew have worked so incredibly hard on making this show truly brilliant, and are confident that whether you’re a fan of the show, or have no idea what you’re in for – you’ll be glad you were a part of the awakening.”

"This is a fantastic opportunity to show what Sydney has to offer the theatre industry,” says director Zana Cohen. “I am delighted to be directing such wonderful talent. Our creative team has joined forces to produce an exciting new interpretation of the iconic musical, which starred Glee’s Lea Michele in the original Broadway production. The music, written by Duncan Sheik, is the heart of the show and the lyrics, written by Steven Sater, bares its soul. With songs aptly named ‘Totally Fucked’ and ‘The Bitch of Living’, this show is bound to be a hit with young, modern audiences.”

SPRING AWAKENING

Presented by Stagetek Productions

13-21 June 2014

Fig Tree Theatre, Kensington

Tickets available from www.springawakening.com.au

Featuring Alex Giles, Amy Toledano, Courtney Hough, Jaime Hadwen, Kat Hoyos, Lloyd Harvey, Luke Cheung, Michael Jones, Nick Pes, Robyn Lassman, Scarlett McGrouther, Sean Curran, Susana Downes, William Jordan and Zoe McDonald.

Director: Zana Cohen

Musical Director: Benjamin Kiehne

Choreography: Dave Buckley

Set Design: Michael Watkins

Costume Design: Radcato Design

Lighting / Sound Design: Rod’s Sound and Lighting Services

Art Design: Shannon Pope

Stage Manager: Hayley Schmidt

Producer: Matthew Vella

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.