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Photo Flash: School of Theatre at Florida State Presents SPRING AWAKENING, 2/22-3/3

By Arial Backer

As the winds of the season change, the School of Theatre at Florida State proudly presents their second semester of dazzling productions. The highly anticipated upcoming performance will be Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater's intoxicating musical Spring Awakening directed by the Head of the MFA Directing Program, Fred Chappell. This show will run from February 22 - March 3 in the Fallon Theatre, on the corner of Call and Copeland streets.

This eight-time Tony Award-winning rock musical sensation is an adaptation of the controversial 1891 German play by Frank Wedekind. Audiences are taken on a whirlwind of a journey that explores the world of teenage sexuality and how it can lead to love and demise when left in the dark.

"I love doing musicals, but I like a little grit in there when I do them; and this show has a lot of grit," director Fred Chappell revealed. "The music is wonderful along with the choreography - so there's a lot to be engaged and entertained by."

Sweetly curious Wendla Bergmann, played by Collean Gallagher is an adolescent girl searching for meaning behind "where babies come from." She then turns to her mama for answers she cannot uncover on her own; however, due to the prudish nature of the time, her mother cannot bring herself to explain the obvious reality of the situation.

Rebellious and undeniably charming Melchior Gabor, played by Nick Jones, and long-time friend and intense introvert Moritz Stiefel, played by Rico LeBron, certainly have some issues of their own. While reciting lines of Virgil in Latin their minds drift away to thoughts of pure frustration and utter desire.

Spring Awakening speaks to all who yearn for further insight to the sexual and spiritual passage that we struggle to understand. The story hits close to home for audiences (quite literally - you can sit on stage!).

Director Fred Chappell relays that there really is something to be said for the powerful emotional impact that this production possesses. "I always find that if the cast and I are excited about the piece of work, then usually audiences are too," Chappell remarked.

Spring Awakening does contain adult themes, adult language, and nudity. Recommended age: 16+

To purchase tickets online visit http://tickets.fsu.edu, you can also visit the Ticket Office located in the Fine Arts Building, or to place orders on the phone call the office: (850) 644-6500 during their business hours (Tuesday-Saturday) between the hours of 11am-4pm.

Adult Ticket: $15.00.
Senior Ticket (Age 62+): $18.00.?
Student Ticket: $10.00.

Young Professionals' Night: $10, Feb. 28 @ 8:00pm, call (850) 644-6488 for details. $5 Student Nights: Feb. 20 & 21 @ 7:30pm, Feb. 27 @ 8:00pm

Photo Credit: David J. Valdez