E-Town Theatre Division Performs Edgy Musical

Banned for decades in Germany, "Spring Awakening" tells the story of a group of young teens from a small town wrestling with their changing bodies and minds. The adult figures in these children's lives neglect to teach them about their developing bodies. Both parents and teens must face the terrible consequences of their actions.

Elizabethtown College Fine and Performing Arts - Theatre Division performs "Spring Awakening," at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, through Saturday, Oct. 29; Thursday, Nov. 3; and Friday, Nov. 4, in the College's Tempest Theatre. There also is a 2 p.m. performance, Sunday, Nov. 6.

The Tony Award Winning musical, under the direction of Dr. Michael Swanson, Elizabethtown College associate professor of theater and director of theater and dance, is known for containing "what some may call vulgar language or adult activity," Swanson said. But audiences should take away "a sense that it is sometimes difficult to get in the way of nature."

The musical was written by Steven Sater with music by Duncan Sheik. Many of the themes throughout the play express the struggles most humans go through during the early pre-teen stage and how each character deals with that emotional turmoil.

The musical, based on Frank Wedekind's 19th play, features students "performing a rock musical in the context of almost a rock concert," said Swanson. Audience members, Swanson added, will get a taste of energetic music, "relatable situations and important messages."

Cost: $10 at boxoffice@etown.edu or 717-261-1170

Read about additional events at Elizabethtown College.