Video: Spring Awakening Rehearsal Footage at Media Theatre

The has the Philadelphia/Wilmington, Del. region’s professional premiere of the musical Spring Awakening April 18-May 20.

The winner of eight Tony Awards in 2007 is based on Frank Wedekind’s 1892 play, focusing on a group of German students as they come of age, exploring their sexuality, morality, and desire to be heard amongst a world of unresponsive adults.

Duncan Sheik composed the music, with Steven Sater writing the book and lyrics to the show. The New York Times said Spring Awakening is, “Exhilarating….A fresh breeze of true inspiration.”

The Media Theatre’s cast includes Schyler Conaway as Melchior. Conaway recently portrayed the role in Maine State Music Theatre's benefit production. He received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory.

Here is a video link of Schyler talking about the show, as well as rehearsal footage at MediaTheatre....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TaWCaJXRws&noredirect=1

Delaware County's own Jack Raymond is Moritz. A past "Delco Idol" winner, he has also portrayed Peter in Bare, Barnaby in Heaven Can Wait, and was seen recently in The Media Theatre's The Sound of Music.

Artistic Director Jesse Cline, who directs the production, believes the show is important for young people and their parents.

"It really touches upon issues facing the younger generation," Cline said. "It's interesting to note that, based on the major points of Wedekind's play, youth were dealing with the same issues over a hundred years ago that maintain relevancy today. We believe that we have come so far, but in so many aspects of our lives---including a strong and open dialogue between parents and teens---we still need to find a way to move forward."

Erin Burniston, who recently traveled the country in the National Tour, portrays Wendla. Barrymore winner Michael Doherty will portray Georg, with Temple University student Ryan T. Streit as Ernst. New Jersey’s Mason Quilty is Hanschen, while Patrick Roberts makes his Philadelphia regional professional premiere as Otto.

Jennifer Bissell, seen last spring at Media Theatre in The Who’s Tommy will be Ilse and Jessica O’ Brien, seen in Media’s Seussical, will portray Martha.

Two young actresses make their Media Theatre debut: Justina Ercole as Anna and Victoria Mayo as Thea.

Michelle Eugene and John D. Smitherman take on the Adult roles in the musical.

The ensemble consists of Lauren Cupples and JP Dunphy, as well as Westtown School’s Christopher Infantino and Hedgerow Theatre’s Susan Wefel.

The schedule for this production is a bit different, as the theatre staff felt Wednesday afternoon crowds were not the appropriate audience for the piece. Therefore, they have instituted $25 Tuesdays. All seats on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. are only $25. Twitter seats are also available at each performance for $20; and Onstage Seats—in which the audience becomes part of the action—are $30 per performance.

For tickets and information, call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.