Spring comes early in Nazareth College production of "Spring Awakening"

It may be fall, but spring has sprung at the Nazareth College Arts Center where a group of young up-and-coming actors are ready to tell a story about teenage rebellion through music that really rocks.

The Nazareth College Theatre and Dance Department and Theatre League presents the Tony Award-winning alt-rock musical, Spring Awakening, November 15 through November 18 in Studio Theater A48 at Nazareth College, located at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, 14618. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 15, Friday, November 16, Saturday, November 17, Sunday November 18; and 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18. **A performance has been added at 11 p.m. on Friday, November 16.**  This show contains mature language, suggested sexuality and themes, and strong content.

Spring Awakening is directed and choreographed by guest artist Brett Smock, Producing Artistic Director at the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival /Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn, N.Y. He has been directing and choreographing for 20+ years and this is his third show at Nazareth College. "My job is to bring stories to life and gather gifted artists together to tell stories: it's a privilege," said Smock.

THE PERFORMANCE
Spring Awakening won 8 Tony Awards in 2008 including Best Book (Steven Sater), Best Musical, and Best Score (Duncan Sheik). Set in a rural town in Germany in the late 1800's, the show captures two teen worlds: the outer repressive society they inhabit and their colorful and often complex inner life. The alt-rock score captures their struggles as they navigate their physical and emotional maturation.

"The musical capitalizes on identity, sexuality, growth, parenting, friendship, feelings of loneliness and isolation, teenage bonds, responsibility, depth of character, and life choices," said Smock.

The plot centers around the lives of a group of teenagers, including Melchior, Wendla, and Moritz. Melchoir is played by freshman musical theatre major Colin Smith. "He [Melchoir] is a very interesting character to play due to his complexity during the time period the show is set in.... he goes against the grain when it comes to societal norms," said Smith.

"There isn't a single piece of Spring Awakening that isn't relevant today," said Smock. "Frank Wedekind, the playwright, was a visionary. He managed to capture flecks of the human existence that resonate through the years and across generations. Everyone should find themselves somewhere in this show, understanding that, for some, that discovery and admission may be difficult."

TICKETS
Tickets to Spring Awakening are $15.00 for general admission, and $13.00 for senior citizens. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 585-389-2170, visit the box office located in the lower level of the Arts Center lobby on the campus of Nazareth College (4245 East Avenue, Rochester, 14618), or order online. Box office hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. until the show starts on scheduled performance days. This show contains mature language, suggested sexuality and themes, and strong content.

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM
Spring Awakening includes some double-cast roles. The cast features freshman Colin Smith (Melchior), sophomore Nick Deapo (Moritz), junior Isabella Bertoni (Wendla), junior Demetrio Alomar (Georg), senior Kaitie Buckert (Ilse), junior Chiara Giampietro (Ilse), junior Rob DiJames (Otto), sophomore Garrison Hunt (Otto), sophomore Caelie Flanagan (Adult Woman), senior Abigail Voss (Adult Woman), sophomore Sophia Foti (Martha), junior Anna Kostakis (Martha), junior Cassidy Halpin (Anna), junior Sara Hayward (Anna), sophomore Nash Johns (Hanschen), sophomore Zachary Jones (Ernst), sophomore Caldwell Lowell (Ernst), junior Sam Melita (Adult Man), sophomore Giovanni Rivera-Litz (Georg), senior Regan Stacey (Thea), and senior Abby Swanson (Thea).

The creative team of Spring Awakening includes Brett Smock (director/choreographer), Corinne Aquilina (music director), Edward Massari (scenic designer), Emily Stork (lighting designer), Yuanting Zhao (costume designer), Kyle Critelli (sound designer), Nolan Todd (production stage manager), Samantha Antoniewicz (assistant stage manager), Abigail Hazlett (assistant stage manager), Alexandra Anthony (production manager/technical director/scene shop supervisor), Annie Skinner (properties master), Jake Beha (master electrician), Kyle Critelli (sound engineer), Mary Farmer (costume shop manager/wardrobe supervisor), Sophia Mattcucci (properties assistant), Samantha Burkovich (properties assistant), Leah Chesko (props hand), Catherine Schlieger (props hand), Ismael Cisse (deck crew), Felicity Thomas (deck crew), Amanda Reyngoudt (wardrobe), Erika Gordon (wardrobe), Josie Herlong (sound board operator), Erynn Hill (light board operator), Tre Kanaley (spot operator), and Olivia Moffa (spot operator).

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2018 November
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