The Powerful Rock Musical Spring Awakening Opens This Week

Smash hit rock musical Spring Awakening on stage at Pieter Toerien’s Theatre at Montecasino
the hottest theatre ticket in town, begins on 12 April 2024

When the show first premièred in New York in 2007 it was hailed as ‘must- see, ground-breaking jolt of genius!‘; ‘gorgeous, passionate, explosive and remarkable.’ Fast forward almost twenty years and the Cape Town reviews of this cult rock musical directed by the award- winning Sylvaine Strike were equally effusive. BroadwayWorld called it ‘a masterpiece: mesmerising, menacing and moving!‘; the Daily Maverick said it was ‘soul-shattering and uncompromisingly brilliant‘ while Heart of Theatre declared it to be ‘The Musical of the Year‘ and Theatre Scene Cape Town commented that ‘this production is proof of the power of a strong ensemble…all are musical theatre stars in the making.’

The first season at Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay last year was a sell-out, prompting a return season by popular demand. Now it’s Joburg’s turn and the show will start at Pieter Toerien’s Theatre at Montecasino on 12 April 2024.

Spring Awakening, presented by the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) as their first book musical, also marks the first time that Sylvaine Strike (Firefly, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Donkerbos, District 9) has directed a musical. Based on the controversial play that was written in the late 1800’s by Frank Wedekind, Spring Awakening delves into the lives of a group of adolescent students discovering their changing bodies, their sexual identities, urges and desires, all while navigating the oppressive and draconian societal norms of the day. Under Strike’s visionary direction, this reimagined production expertly brings the gripping and emotional story to life as it explores complex themes such as self-discovery, repression and the power of rebellion.

With book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik, Spring Awakening has long pushed the boundaries and what sets this South African production apart is the powerful delivery by an exceptional young cast of talented triple threats joined by seasoned professionals Francis Chouler and Natalie Robbie in multiple roles. Think riveting storytelling and heart-stopping song and dance numbers bolstered by Niall Griffin’s ingenious design that incorporates costumes, set and lighting. The outstanding creative team includes Musical Director Amy Campbell and Resident Director Anton Luitingh alongside Choreographers Naoline Quinzin and Anna Olivier supervised by Duane Alexander. The intimacy co-ordinator is Natalie Fisher and sound design is by David Classen. In an unusual approach, the Spring Awakening ensemble use their own voices to create a variety of sound effects and soundscapes throughout the show, mimicking heartbeats, birdsong, ticking clocks, forest sounds and falling rain, all of which add an immersive dimension to the production.

Set in late 19th century Germany, the musical follows a group of students on their journey to adulthood, exploring sexuality, self-discovery and rebellion against oppressive societal norms.

Under the visionary direction of Sylvaine Strike, Spring Awakening fearlessly delves into provocative themes with the talented cast bringing the raw emotions of their characters to life through stunning musical numbers, spanning various genres.

LAMTA’s Spring Awakening challenges traditional musical theatre boundaries, promising an unforgettable and transformative theatrical experience.

This is a must-see, engaging musical that sparks important conversations around the complexities of adolescent life. Spring Awakening encourages empathy, understanding and open dialogue among youth, educators and parents, addressing topics that are profoundly impacting.

Show Information
LAMTA’s Spring Awakening

Johannesburg:
Pieter Toerien’s Main Theatre, Montecasino
12 April to 5 May 2024

Times:
Wednesdays to Fridays at 19h30;
Saturday at 14h30 & 19h30;
Sunday at 14h30

Ticket Prices:
From R200 – R350 (including VAT)

Bookings: 
Bookings through Webticket or the Theatre Box Office (011) 511 1988

Duration:
Approx’ 2 hours including a 20 minute interval

Age Restriction:
No persons under 13
Please note that ‘Spring Awakening’ contains mature themes, partial nudity, sexual situations as well as explicit language