The Kahilu Theatre in Waimea will present Spring Awakening on Saturday, June 23, at 7:00 pm and Sunday, June 24, at 4:00 pm. The eight-time Tony Award winning alternative-rock Broadway musical will be directed by Beth Dunnington and showcases artists of the Kahilu Theatre Youth Troupe. The production will also feature Musical Director Phil Kadet, Choreographer Angel Prince, and Vocal Coach Val Underwood. Tickets are $35/$25/$20 and can be purchased at kahilutheartre.org, (808) 885-6868 or at the Kahilu Theatre Box Office.
Based on a play written by Frank Wedekind in 1891, Spring Awakening was adapted into a musical in 2006. With book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik, this acclaimed Broadway Musical is a compelling story of the hardships young people face as they grow from childhood into early adulthood. In the words of Steven Sater, “Our young characters live in the shadow of social convention, but their inner worlds are utterly electric.” Yearning to discover the impulses of their own sexuality, yet tormented by their lack of knowledge, the characters seek to reconcile the expectations of their parents’ generation with their own ideals. The play criticizes a sexually oppressive culture and the adults who fail to educate and prepare their children for the realities of adulthood. Originally subtitled, A Children’s Tragedy, Spring Awakening faces head-on sensitive subject matter including teen pregnancy, LGBTQ issues, suicide, abortion, bullying, and physical and sexual abuse. These topics, as well as the juxtaposition of teenage awkwardness with budding romance, makes this show relevant today.
Dunnington feels strongly about providing a safe space for the performers and audience members alike and has arranged to have awareness booths accessible in the lobby during the performances. “I’m grateful to the Kahilu Theatre for their vision in producing a show with such sensitive subject matter,” she said. “As the director of this production, I plan to address the issues in the most sensitive way possible, while staying true to the vision of the authors. I hope you’ll join us for this one.”
Due to the mature content of this production, parental discretion is advised.
The Kahilu Youth Troupe was formed in 2011. Members of the troupe participate in Kahilu classes and camps and perform in Kahilu produced musicals and concerts. The Kahilu is committed to training our local artists in the crafts of acting, musical theatre, and dance.
If You Go
Spring Awakening will be performed at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 23 and 4 p.m. Sunday, June 24 at the Kahilu Theatre. Tickets are $35/$25/$20 and can be purchased at kahilutheatre.org, by calling 885-6868 or at the Kahilu Theatre box office located at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela.