Photo Flash: First Look at Mesa Encore Theatre's SPRING AWAKENING, Opening Tonight

Mesa Encore Theatre presents SPRING AWAKENING at the Mesa Arts Center, opening tonight, April 5 and running through April 21, 2013. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!

Winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, SPRING AWAKENING is based on the Frank Wedekind play of the same name and features book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik. With an electrifying score that swings from folk to rock, SPRING AWAKENING follows the unforgettable journey of a group of students in late 19th century Germany as they move from adolescence into adulthood. Facing both the devastation and the wonder of sexuality and self-discovery, the characters navigate through their coming-of-age despite parents and authority figures who are intent on withholding information and suppressing thought and expression. SPRING AWAKENING contains mature themes that include sexual situations and strong language. This production is intended for mature audiences only.

SPRING AWAKENING opened on Broadway on December 10, 2006 at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, following its world premiere at the Atlantic Theatre Company. SPRING AWAKENING swept the 2007 Tony Awards winning eight out of its eleven nominations, including Best Musical. It has been hailed as the "Best Musical of the Year" by the New York Times, New York Post, Star Ledger, Journal News, New York Observer, and USA Today. The Broadway production closed on January 18, 2009 after 28 previews and 859 regular performances.

Arizona native Phillip Fazio returns from New York City where he permanently resides to direct the production. Mr. Fazio previously directed Mesa Encore Theatre's critically acclaimed productions of Next to Normal, Ragtime, Rent, Cabaret, Proof, and West Side Story. His NYC credits include Gay Camp (FringeNYC and Fringe Encore), The Real Life (Identity Theatre Company), and Super Ben! (Think Theater). Andrew Kust provides music direction and leads the live band.

All performances will be held at the Mesa Arts Center, 1 East Main Street, Mesa. Tickets may be purchased through the Mesa Arts Center Box Office online at www.mesaartscenter.com or at 480.644.6500.