Rave reviews for UCD’s ‘Spring Awakening’ - just 3 shows left!

Granada Artist Stafford Arima’s direction of the hit Broadway musical “Spring Awakening” at UC Davis has received resounding accolades. “Better than the Broadway production,” according to the Davis Enterprise  and “Thrilling,” says Outward Magazine of this campus rendition of the sexual coming of-age show.

Theater critic Marcus Crowder praised the director’s track record in the Sac Bee last month:

“The highly sought-after Arima is no stranger to the area having just directed a sumptuous ‘The King And I’ at the Music Circus this past summer. His credits include an Olivier Award nomination for directing the West End premiere of 'Ragtime.'”

This Thursday, December 5, audience members will be able to speak with Stafford Arima as well as other company members directly following the 8 p.m. performance in a talk-back session. Many of the 23 cast members will be present. 

The cast represents a wide range of undergraduate academic disciplines with majors ranging from linguistics to managerial economics to human development. It also includes one graduate student in dramatic art, a UC Davis staff member, and a UC Davis alumnus.

One gets an interesting look at these young actors through the “Spring Awakening” blog which features their offstage photos, feelings and observations. There is also a behind-the-scenes video where the actors and other company members are interviewed and one can sample the musical numbers. There is even a music video promo on YouTube.

The final three “Spring Awakening” performances are this Thursday, December 5 through Saturday, December 7 at 8 p.m. in Main Theatre, Wright Hall. Tickets range from $16-22. For more information including group discounts, visit theatredance.ucdavis.edu.

This production contains adult material including violence, sexuality and language.