A York theatre company is marking the 20th anniversary of award-winning musical with a ‘bold’ new production.
Inspired By Theatre are preparing to bring the Tony-award winning rock musical Spring Awakening back to York.
Following their latest production of Jesus Christ Superstar, the York-based company returns with one of the most powerful and emotionally raw musicals of the modern era.
Spring Awakening is at Theatre@41 from Wednesday 20 to Saturday 23 May.
Set in late 19th-century Germany, Spring Awakening follows a group of teenagers navigating the confusion, curiosity and turmoil of adolescence in a rigid and repressive society. As young people search for answers about sex, identity and self-expression, their world collides with a culture determined to silence them.
With music by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater, the show blends alternative rock, folk and punk influences with a deeply human coming-of-age story.
First opening on Broadway in 2006, starring Jonathan Groff, Lea Michele and John Gallagher Jr., Spring Awakening won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
This production marks a full-circle moment for director Mikhail Lim, who appeared in the Northern premiere of Spring Awakening in York fifteen years ago.
Speaking about returning to the show as director, Mikhail said: “Spring Awakening came out when I was almost exactly the age of the characters. It completely opened my eyes to different forms of musical storytelling and the kind of contemporary theatre I fell in love with.
“Being part of the Northern premiere in York fifteen years ago was incredibly special. Now, approaching the twentieth anniversary of the original off-Broadway production, it feels extraordinary to be returning to this piece as a director. In many ways, it feels like fate.”
The creative team also includes choreographer and assistant director Freya McIntosh, who’s previously worked on Inspired By Theatre’s American Idiot, RENT and Jesus Christ Superstar; and musical director Jessica Viner, whose professional credits include touring productions and her recent role as musical director for Singin’ in the Rain touring across China.
The show’s band will also form part of the storytelling, with a mixture of professional musicians and actor-musicians creating a dynamic onstage musical presence.
Tickets start from £18 and are available via the Theatre@41 website.
