Spring Awakening
Theater Program of Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges presents Spring Awakening
Directed by MK Tuomanen
Spring Awakening, the 2006 Broadway musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind’s 1891 play of the same title, is the story of a group of teenagers doomed by their lack of information about their own emerging sexuality, the authoritarian culture in which they live, and the refusal of the adults in their lives to overcome their own repression to help the teens understand the events that are happening to them.
Steven Sater’s book and lyrics and the energetic score by Duncan Sheik update Wedekind’s play, and audiences have been passionate about its very frank treatment of sexuality and issues of bodily autonomy, abuse, and mental health. Spring Awakening garnered an extensive collection of awards, including eight Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards, and a Grammy Award for the original cast recording of the show.
In a moment when the cultural and political pendulum in the U.S. is swinging to the right, Catharine Slusar, associate professor of theater and current chair of the Theater Program, felt Bryn Mawr and Haverford students would be excited to tackle this beloved musical, with its unapologetic anti-authoritarian, pro-body autonomy message.
Indeed, many of the students speak of Spring Awakening as a formative influence in their lives. Ella Namour, a Haverford senior and member of the stage management team said, “Spring Awakening embodies a kind of radical optimism. It has faith in the next generation, saying that they saw how their parents were oppressed by lack of education, and they will thus strive toward revolution.”
The Theater Program is delighted to have local actor, writer, and director MK Tuomanen and local musician Kevin Mucchetti join them as guest artists this semester, Tuomanen as the director of Spring Awakening, and Mucchetti as the musical director.
Performances are free and open to the public and will take place: