Spring Awakening - Frequently Asked Questions

Spring Awakening

At the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre
at Virginia Rep Center
June 15 – July 22, 2012

Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater
Music by Duncan Sheik
Directed by Chase Kniffen

Spring Awakening is a 2007 Hit Broadway Musical based on a late 19th Century Expressionist play by German playwright Frank Wedikind.  The play is a world classic piece of theatre and the musical won 8 2007 Tony Awards, including Best New Musical.  Spring Awakening combines a timeless story of adolescent growth and discovery with a true indie-rock score by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, creating a cross-generational phenomenon that is able to transcend age and cultural barriers.  It is a thought provoking story that opens up real-world issues, such as teenage sexuality, pregnancy and suicide, as well as the disastrous results that come from a lack of communication between parents and children.  Spring Awakening contains partial nudity and sexual content, as well as explicit language.  It is recommended for ages 16+.

What kind of music is in Spring Awakening?

The score of Spring Awakening is by pop/rock sensation Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater.  The music blends indie-rock with folk-infused writing, creating a unique musical score.  It is the 2007 Tony-Award winner for Best Original Score.

What issues does the show discuss?

Spring Awakening delves into issues that are prevalent in today’s society; specifically dealing with teenage sexuality, pregnancy, homosexuality and suicide.

How much nudity is in Spring Awakening?

The partial nudity is part of a simulated sex scene between Melchior and Wendla.  Depending on seating location, you may see a woman’s breasts and male buttocks.

What kind of language is in Spring Awakening?

Spring Awakening contains explicit language.

Is Spring Awakening appropriate for my teenager?

Spring Awakening is a musical about teenagers and contains many opportunities to open up discussion regarding important societal issues.  We recommend the show for ages 16+.  There are many online resources that can be examined to see parents’ reactions to bringing their teenager to Spring Awakening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOwtJgFTWow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGlqMLQ6RCU

Do you have on-stage seating for Spring Awakening?

Similar to the Broadway production, Virginia Rep will offer on-stage seating to patrons interested in getting a little closer to the action.  These seats will be directly to the right and left of the stage.  They will be available for $5. Call (804) 282-2620 to purcahse in advance.

Why did you pick Spring Awakening?

Spring Awakening is regarded as one of the greatest American musicals of the last quarter-century .  Based on a world classic, it has opened up musical theatre to an entirely new generation of theatre goers.