The Wilbury Group to Close 2016-17 Season with SPRING AWAKENING

The Wilbury Group closes its 2016/17 season with the multiple Tony Award-winning rock musical with Spring Awakening.

Based on Frank Wedekind's controversial 1891 expressionist play Spring Awakening: A Children's Tragedy, the musical was adapted by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik with stunning results. Directed at The Wilbury Group by Artistic Director Josh Short, with music direction by Matt Requintina and choreography by Ali Kenner-Brodsky, Spring Awakening is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock and roll that has been exhilarating audiences since 2007.

"Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that has been gripping audiences since its debut," said Wilbury Artistic Director Josh Short. "In the Wilbury Group production we fully embrace Frank Wedekinds' intentions with his expressionistic masterpiece, where the children find themselves lost in a terrifying world that values piety and conformity above all else, with tragic results."

In late 19th-century Germany, teenagers struggle to cope with the sexual mysteries of puberty. Moritz has been having dreams that he can't explain - dreams that make him feel insane. Young Wendla attempts in vain to learn more about her body and her transformation to womanhood, but instead learns through terrifying experience. Melchior, the most handsome and intelligent boy in school, struggles to handle his changing emotions and give his friends the aid they need. Faced with sexual repression and an often-unjust class of adults, these teenagers attempt to walk the difficult road to emotional and physical maturity the best they can.

Based on Frank Wedekind's masterpiece Spring Awakening: A Children's Tragedy, Spring Awakening is the contemporary musical adaptation of one of literature's most controversial plays. Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater's score features songs that illuminate the urgency of adolescent self-discovery, the burning intensity of teen friendships and the innate suspicion of the uncomprehending adult world.

Spring Awakening is presenTed May 18-June 4, 2017 at The Wilbury Theatre Group, 393 Broad Street, Providence RI. Tickets are $15-$35. Call 401.400.7100 or www.thewilburygroup.org.

DETAILS:

Spring Awakening

Book by Steven Sater, music by Duncan Sheik

Based on the play Spring Awakening: A Children's Tragedy by Frank Wedekind

Directed by Josh Short, music directed by Matt Requintina, choreography by Ali Kenner-Brodsky

CAST:

Katrina Pavao, Wendla

Daraja Hinds, Anna

Jennifer Pierel, Thea

Jessica March, Ilse

Maggie Papa, Martha

Diego Guevara, Melchior

Nigel Richards, Otto

Matthew Gorgone, Georg

Aaron Blanck, Ernst

Gunnar Manchester, Hanschen

Bradley Wilson, Moritz

Tom Grace, Musician

Steve Ellis, Musician

Matt Requintina, Musician

CREW:

Andy Russ, Lighting Design

Meg Donnelly, Costume Design

Luke Sutherland, Scenic Design

Kate Kataja, Assistant Director

Polly Feliciano, Stage Manager

Logan Serabian, Assistant Stage Manager

Founded in 2010, The Wilbury Group is an ever-evolving collaboration of artists committed to presenting adventurous audiences with the highest quality professional theatre. Founded on the belief that quality theatre should be an affordable and accessible means of enrichment to the community; The Wilburyspresent contemporary, experiential theatre that simultaneously engage, inspire, and provoke thought among audiences.

As the official resident theatre company in the historic Trinity Square Theater at the Southside Cultural Center, The Wilbury Theatre Group is committed to providing our diverse and evolving community with affordable access to the performing arts through our Education program, public outreach programs, and professional productions of cutting-edge theatre from around the world.

SPRING AWAKENING is presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International, with support from Dramatists Guild Foundation and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. Learn more at www.thewilburygroup.org/spring-awakening.