By Katy Korstange, Staff Writer
Xavier’s Theatre program will celebrate their 100th production this week with the performance of the rock musical “Spring Awakening.”
“Spring Awakening” was the first show produced by Xavier Theatre in 2015 when the major was established. Now, 99 shows and 11 years later, they plan to revisit the production that started it all.
The production is based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial play by the same name written in 1891. “Spring Awakening” premiered on Broadway in 2006 starring Lea Michelle and Jonathan Groff with music by Duncan Sheik and lyrics by Stephen Sater. Since then, it has several adaptations and has been performed by a variety of companies.
“Spring Awakening” is an exhilarating rock musical set in 1890s Germany that follows a group of students navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood through a powerful story of youth, rebellion and self-discovery. It has won eight Tony awards, including Best Musical and Best Director.
“‘Spring Awakening’ was a special show when we produced it in 2015. It was an incredible team and cast, and it’s a show we still talk about today,” Director and Chair of Music and Theatre Stephen Skiles said. “When we decided to look back this year on past productions in our season, it felt like the right show to do to celebrate this milestone.”
Skiles was also the director of the 2015 production of “Spring Awakening” and has seen the evolution of the program over its 11 years.
“While a lot has changed, the talent, passion and curiosity of the students over the years has remained the same,” Skiles said.
The production includes popular songs such as “Mama Who Bore Me” which introduces the musical as the main character talks about how her mother gave her “no way to handle things” in life. The rock beat behind the song “The B*tch of Living” shows the character’s built-up frustration of dealing with the act of maturing on their own. “The Song of Purple Summer” concludes the production – with hope for a more open-minded generation.
“I love this group. I appreciate all of their work. It is exciting to come to rehearsal every day and get to see this group forming a more solid and supportive ensemble. It is emotional because I see the first group in these students,” Skiles said.
Xavier Theatre revisits “Spring Awakening” in honor of their 100th production.
Skiles believes that Xavier Theatre’s 100th production is an important milestone because it represents many people’s years of hard work and dedication. As he directs the show, he plans to honor their legacy by emphasizing collaboration between the cast and design team, while encouraging them to follow their instincts and impulses.
“I’ve gotten to work with some amazing people. The students, guest artists, faculty and staff who have built this program over the past 100 productions are special. That is what means the most to me,” Skiles said.
The major characters in the show are Melchior, played by senior Sean Moss; Wendla, played by sophomore Taylor Mattingly; and Moritz, played by senior Leo Jenkins. Xavier’s production is directed by Skiles, music directed by Dr. Scot Buzza and choreographed by Jenna Treinen.
“It’s funny, a bit rude and a story that Xavier students should relate to: the struggles of growing up and wrestling with authority. I think the heart of the play is about our responsibility to each other. That’s very Xavier,” Skiles said.
Xavier Theatre’s rendition of “Spring Awakening” will be performed in the Gallagher Student Center Theatre from April 10-18.