Spring Awakening

Based on the 1891 Frank Wedekind play, SPRING AWAKENING is a stirring combination of sexuality, morality and rock & roll that is captivating audiences across the nation like no other musical in years. The landmark musical features an award-winning and evocative story with a score by Duncan Sheik, book and lyrics by Steven Sater, and original direction and choreography by Michael Mayer and Bill T. Jones, respectively. Set against the backdrop of a repressive and provincial late 19th century Germany, SPRING AWAKENING follows a group of young students as they navigate through teenage self-discovery and coming of age anxiety.


The strong adult content and controversial subject matter caused the production to be banned for nearly 100 years. However, a bulk of modern sitcoms and the presence of a growing reality era “awakened” the need to address important issues that plague young teens in today’s society. The seemingly innocent topics introduced and portrayed in the following teen-focused television shows: Blossom, Degrassi, 7th Heaven, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Saved by the Bell, Hannah Montana, Moesha, Lizzie McGuire, Full House, Boy Meets World, Different Strokes and Smart Guy dramatically infused the topics of sex, drugs, eating disorders, stealing and violence without addressing the negative effects in an aggressive manner. Current shows like Gossip Girl, Jersey Shore, Life Unexpected, 90210, Teen Mom, 16 and Pregnant involve a deeper exploration of the above mentioned themes while showcasing the harsh consequences of realistically portrayed scenarios.

The cast of SPRING AWAKENING tackles a plethora of further hardcore situations dealing with homosexuality, abortion, child abuse and suicide. In two acts, the innocence of adolescence transforms into the responsibilities of adulthood. The dialogue is strategically designed to help today's teens comprehend and understand the psychological challenges of the issues they deal with on a daily basis. The artistic realm of music and various theatrical props place emphasis on the importance of the topics addressed. As these teenagers cope with the newness of discovery, they are forced to recognize the relevance of responsibility while facing the unfortunate repercussions of their actions.

Local actor, Mark Poppleton, is a part of the touring cast of SPRING AWAKENING as the only adult man playing all the adult men parts and will be on stage with the show when it appears for one night only in Jacksonville on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at The Times Union Center’s Moran Theater at 7:30pm. Just as on Broadway, the tour will feature a limited number of on-stage seats available for purchase. Eighteen stage seats will be for sale for $25.00 each at the Times-Union Center at 9am on March 24. Available while they last, each purchaser must be 18 years or older to purchase one stage seat each, show ID, and agree to follow specific rules. A limited number of 3rd price seating will be available for purchase at the discounted price of $32.00 after stage seats are purchased, while they last.

Visit www.artistseriesjax.org for ticket information or contact The Artist Series at (904) 633-3273.