glory|struck Announces SPRING AWAKENING Concert Cast
glory|struck today announced casting for their upcoming production of SPRING AWAKENING: IN CONCERT at Downtown Los Angeles' Hayworth Theatre.
Kelley Jakle lends her voice to Wendla, most recently wrapping her feature film debut in PITCH PERFECT, set for release on October 5th and starring Ms. Jakle opposite Brittany Snow and Anna Kendrick. Television audiences will remember her from NBC's first and second seasons of THE SING-OFF.
Additional vocalists include Nathan Parrett (NBC's THE VOICE), Payson Lewis (NBC's THE SING-OFF, VICTORIOUS), local independent recording artists Olivia Noelle and Anthony Starble, Caitlin Ary (of folk-rock trio Alex Davis and the Ary Sisters), Jonah Platt, Topher Rhys, Jamie Lee Barnard, Jilli Marine and Michael Christopher Luebke. Paul T. Brindley and Alissa-Nicole Koblentz will play the adult authority figures.
Eric Schackne and members of the LA based Young Harry Trumans and Back Pocket Memory will take to the stage as the rock ensemble.
Helmed by director Kate Sullivan Gibbens, with musical direction by Michael Christopher Luebke, this theatre-concert hybrid focuses sharply on music and its story, recalling the energy of an East Village music bar as opposed to a traditional "uptown" venue. Audiences will be left with art in its purist, most unadulterated form: the music, the dialogue, and the message.
Based on the controversial 1892 play by Frank Wedekind, SPRING AWAKENING recalls the coming of age, and discovery of sexuality among youth in 19th Century Germany. The piece tackles issues of teen suicide, pregnancy, sexuality and identity.
The producers are thrilled to align with LOVE IS LOUDER on SPRING AWAKENING, noting "the music, just like the LOVE IS LOUDER campaign, speaks volumes about young people and artists alike. And through that connection we are able to sustain our community: a community of creativity, a community of collaboration, and a community of activism."LOVE IS LOUDER was started by The Jed Foundation, MTV and actress Brittany Snow to "support anyone feeling mistreated, misunderstood or alone. Online and in communities around the world, the movement is raising the volume around a critical message - -- that love and support is more powerful than the external and internal voices that bring us down, cause us pain and make us feel hopeless."
Members of the company of SPRING AWAKENING are being featured in a unique acoustic musical event, TURN THE STEREO ON, to celebrate the upcoming production through live music, drinks, and highlights from the show. TURN THE STEREO ON will take place Saturday, June 2nd at 10:00pm at M Bar in Hollywood.
The talent of SPRING AWAKENING has recorded new demo arrangements from the piece, which are available on iTunes and through the show's website.
SPRING AWAKENING: IN CONCERT is produced for glory|struck by Topher Rhys, Jamie Lee Barnard, and Nathan Gardner. glory|struck was founded to create art that aligns poignant narratives with relevant social issues to inspire collective action.
SPRING AWAKENING will be offered in six performances from July 20-29, 2012.
Tickets go on sale June 18, 2012 at www.springawakeninginconcert.comPhoto Credit: Nicole Priest Photography
