'Awakening' Continues Onstage Seating; Rush Tix Available

Spring Awakening will continue its onstage seating policy, which originated when the show was performed this summer at the Atlantic Theatre Company. 

"25 seats priced at $31.25 will put the truly adventurous theatergoer in the heart of the Ducan Sheik-Steven Sater musical, directed by Michael Mayer," as press materials state.  On stage seating will only be available through the box office. 

"Theatregoers can purchase these unique seats in advance but will also be alerted to special requirements.  As members of the on-stage audience, it is necessary to be seated before the show begins.  Since some of the show's action takes place throughout the seating area, the Spring Awakening company has purchased lockers backstage for the onstage theatergoers.  These lockers will be for storage of personal items—large coats, bags, etc. which must be placed in the lockers prior to the start of the performance in order to keep the seating area and pathways clear."

Spring Awakening follows in the tradition of such shows as Equus, Cats, and Copenhagen (among others), all of which have had variations of on-stage seating situations. Spring Awakening will also have a Student Rush ticket policy on the day of performance, with those tickets priced at $25.  Student rush will be available all day when the box office opens.

Written by Steven Sater (Book and Lyrics) and Duncan Sheik (Music) and based on the play by Frank Wedekind, Spring Awakening is directed by Michael Mayer and features Skylar Astin, Lilli Cooper, Christine Estabrook, John Gallagher, Jr., Gideon Glick, Jonathan Groff, Brian Charles Johnson, Lea Michele, Lauren Pritchard, Stephen Spinella, Phoebe Strole, Jonathan B. Wright and Remy Zaken. The ensemble includes Gerard Canonico, Jennifer Damiano, Robert Hager and Krysta Rodriguez.

The choreography is by Bill T. Jones; the creative design is by Christine Jones (scenic), Susan Hilferty (costumes), Kevin Adams (lighting) and Brian Ronan (sound). 

Spring Awakening begins performances Thursday, November 16 at 8 PM at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, 230 W. 49TH Street.  Opening night is Sunday, December 10.  Tickets are available through Telecharge (212-239-6200) or online at www.springawakening.com.