SHS Hosting Forum Thursday Discussing Production of 'Spring Awakening'

Shorewood High School will play host to a community forum Thursday discussing the drama department's production of the controversial Broadway musical Spring Awakening.

The forum, featuring a small panel and group discussions, is designed to give cast members, students and parents an opportunity to discuss the issues that face teenagers, district officials said. The forum starts at 7 p.m. in the high school studio theater, 1701 E. Capitol Dr. 

“We know that this musical deals with controversial topics,” high school Principal Matt Joynt said Thursday, in a prepared statement from the district. “However, we also know that many of our students will be able to relate to the very real situations portrayed by the characters in Spring Awakening. As such, we want to use this production as a catalyst for open and honest discussions about being a teenager in the 21st century.”

The rock adaptation of Frank Wedekind’s 1891 expressionist play tells the story of 19th century German teenagers facing issues related to their sexuality. The play had been banned in Germany (and in the United States) due to its controversial subject matter. The musical adaptation hit Broadway in 2006.

SHS Drama will put on an uncut version of Spring Awakening. There isn't a high school version of Spring Awakening available, high school Drama Director Joe King has said, though some schools have put on unsanctioned versions.

Leaders of several community organizations including Tina Owen, of the Alliance School; Tom Hanley and Marquond Davis, of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center; Julie Bock, of Pathfinders; Jay Botsford and Mia Noel, of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin and Holly Huges Stoner, of Samaritan Family Wellness, will be on hand. Shorewood Superintendent Martin Lexmond, Joynt and King will also be in attendance. 

Spring Awakening will run May 10 through 12, and May 16 through 18. All shows will start at 7 p.m. except for the Sunday matinees, which starts at 2 p.m.