Sex, homosexuality, suicide and abortion are just a few of the themes the Otterbein Theatre Department will be presenting to the audience in its latest production, “Spring Awakening.”
Director Melissa Lusher describes the musical as a story of what happens when kids are awakened to their sexuality and their adolescence, and what happens when they have to do so in the dark.
Written in 1891 by Frank Wedekind, “Spring Awakening” brings to light the issues that adolescents face and the pain that can come from choices teens make every day.
“It’s really about truth and just being honest with yourself about who you are,” junior musical theater major James Scully said. Scully will be portraying Moritz, an adolescent trying to figure out life.
With rock anthems to heart-wrenching ballads, “Spring Awakening” taps into many emotions and earned eight Tony Awards in 2007, which includes the award for Best Musical.
“I think it’s such an important tale to tell these days,” Lusher said. “Kids are getting information from all sorts of very impersonal sources, and I think it’s so important for adults in particular to see this production.”
This play also marks the first time an Otterbein student has choreographed a main stage production. Lusher said senior musical theater major Lili Froehlich was given this responsibility because of her talent and professionalism.
“It speaks to her incredible talent and her level of professionalism that we are entrusting her with such an important role … and she is doing spectacular, phenomenal work,” Lusher said.
Student costume designer Julianne D’Errico, described by Lusher as “gloriously talented,” said she loves immersing herself in the
storyline of the musical.
“I have fallen in love with the characters through my research and design process,” she said.
D’Errico has spent much of her time designing costumes, painting shoes and even cutting the actors’ hair to help them become fully immersed in the character.
“This is our dream show,” said Preston Pounds, who will be playing the role of Melchior.
Melchior is a teenage boy trying to navigate the ins and outs of life and dealing with the everyday emotions and circumstances of youth.
With its underlying message of moving from adolescence to adulthood and all the lessons and heartache in between, “Purple Summer” seems to be the overall favorite piece of the show.
Senior Molly Wetzel, who plays Wendla — the love interest of Melchior — is looking forward to performing the show and seeing how the audience responds to the suggestive topics.
“I’m really looking forward to telling this incredible story,” she said.
Because such a racy show might put spectators off, Pounds encourages viewers to “come in with an open mind and be prepared for everything, and bring a box of tissues.”
Scully added, “See the whole show … and allow yourself to be taken back to that time in your life … and to experience that anxiety and wonder — then the show can be a really powerful, gripping experience.”
