Wake up call
<p>Jett Bingman as Georg, Mario Zavala as Ernst, Jordan Taylor as Melchior, Joseph Lyons as Otto, Brendan Brady as Hanschen, and Ross Mumford as Moritz, play out an intense scene from the upcoming play, "Spring Awakening" by Frank Wedekind. The play will be performed from July 26 until August 11 at Lake City Playhouse.</p>
<p>Siri Hafso, left, as Ilse, and Emily Cleveland, right, as Martha, portray a scene from the play "Spring Awakening" by Frank Wedekind.</p>
<p>Acting out a scene from the play Spring Awakening are actresses, from right to left, Madison Rasmussen, as Thea, Cara Bray, as Anna, Abby Anderson, as Wendla, Siri Hafso, as Ilse, and Emily Cleveland, as Martha.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - In its run on Broadway, "Spring Awakening" earned eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, four Drama Desk awards and one Grammy.
Sure, that's important, but for George Green, director of the play that opened Thursday at the Lake City Playhouse, this is about more than awards.
"It is a powerful story based on the original 1891 play - the issues are still important over 100 years later," he said. "I felt it very important to bring this show to our community."
The modern musical runs through Aug. 11. Dialogue that is needed between parents and teens will no doubt be influenced by seeing this show, Green said. The play opens up a discussion about many concerns that teenagers deal with.
It addresses teen/pre-marital sex, peer pressure, suicide, parental abuse, forbidden love, sexual frustration, educational/institutional influence - the consequences and the relevance of these topics.
"I find it intriguing that there is a large contingency of teenagers struggling with a plethora of the themes that are still relevant from a play written - and banned - from over 100 years ago," he said.
Green, Playhouse artistic director, wanted to direct Spring Awakening.
"I felt it was such a powerful story and wanted to make sure that it was handled very delicately," he said. "I am thrilled to have such an incredibly talented young group of performers. To direct a show that won eight Tony awards, four Drama Desk awards and a Grammy is truly a great artistic challenge."
He said the cast, from top to bottom, is talented.
The three main characters typically draw the audience's attention. Ross Mumford, who played Bobby Strong in last year's production of "Urinetown," returns from The Boston Conservatory to play Moritz.
Jordan Taylor, a vocal performance major from Boise State, plays Melchior.
Local favorite Abby Anderson plays Wendla.
These performers ranging from ages 17 to 23 will leave an impact on those that come with an open mind, Green said.
"Each of them have superb acting and vocal abilities," he said. "They are so vulnerable as performers and trusting during the process. I could not have asked for a better group of artists to work with."
Spring Awakening contains explicit language and adult themes and may not be suitable for all audiences. Parental guidance is strongly advised.
This specific show marks the return of the Playhouse's Stage Left production that will feature shows with more "edgy" content once per year.
Green said the Playhouse presents four children shows a year and many other family friendly productions such as the season opening production of "Oklahoma!"
"LCP attempts to provide a balanced season for our entire community to enjoy," he said.
For every Spring Awakening ticket purchased between July 23 and July 29, Lake City Playhouse will make a $1 donation to the David Gigler Scholarship Fund.