Eve Ensler, Etc. Set for Spring Awakening Talkbacks

Atlantic Theater Company has announced a three-week series of Spring Awakening post-show discussions.

Judith Levine, James Lecesne and Eve Ensler, three prominent authors and commentators of adolescent psychology, sexual education and sexual abuse will discuss the content of their work and experience as it relates to the acclaimed production.

The discussions will be conducted immediately following the Saturday matinee performances of Spring Awakening with Judith Levine appearing on July 22nd, James Lescesne on July 29th and Eve Ensler on August 5th at Atlantic Theater Company (336 West 20th Street - between 8th & 9th Avenues).

"Each will appear with a moderator and discuss the show's resonance through the lens of their field of work and study prior to opening the discussion to the audience," according to press notes.

Recently extended through August 6th (the production was to have closed on July 9th), Spring Awakening has proven to be a hit at Atlantic Theater Company, where it opened on June 15th to glowing reviews. Variety also recently speculated on the possibility of a Broadway or Off-Broadway transfer, although nothing has been confirmed.

Presented by ATC with Tom Hulce and Ira Pittelman, Spring Awakening (the first musical to be presented by Atlantic) features music by Grammy Award-nominee Duncan Sheik ("Barely Breathing"), book and lyrics by Steven Sater (Carbondale Dreams), choreography by Bill T. Jones (The Seven) and direction by Tony Award-nominee Michael Mayer (Thoroughly Modern Millie).

Spring Awakening boasts a cast of fourteen led by Tony Award-winner Frank Wood (Side Man, Hollywood Arms), Atlantic founding member Mary McCann (Broadway's The Old Neighborhood, ATC's The Night Heron), John Gallagher Jr. (Rabbit Hole), Jonathan Groff (In My Life), Lea Michele (Fiddler on the Roof) and Christopher Clark, Michele Cobham, Lilli Cooper, Chris Garneau, Jared Goldstein, Brian Johnson, Lauren Pritchard, Jonathan B. Wright and Remy Zaken.

"Based on Frank Wedekind's 1891 masterpiece "The Awakening of Spring," Spring Awakening is the contemporary musical adaptation of one of literature's most controversial plays," according to press notes. The show "boldly depicts a dozen young people and how they make their way through the thrilling, complicated, confusing and mysterious time of their sexual awakening. Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater's score feature songs that illuminate the urgency of adolescent self-discovery, the burning intensity of teen friendships and the innate suspicion of the uncomprehending adult world."

The story centers around a brilliant young student named Melchior (Groff), his troubled friend Moritz (Gallagher Jr.) and Wendla (Michele), a beautiful young girl on the verge of womanhood.

Spring Awakening features scenic design by Christine Jones, costume design by Tony Award-winner Susan Hilferty (Wicked), lighting design by Kevin Adams, sound design by Brian Ronin and musical direction by Kimberly Grigsby.

Spring Awakening continues Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater's longstanding working relationship. They most recently collaborated on Nero: Another Golden Rome, Sater's play with music that played San Francisco's Magic Theatre. The team presented the New York premiere of Umbrage at HERE and are developing The Nightingale, based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, which has been work-shopped at the O'Neill and La Jolla Playhouse. Sater provided the lyrics for Sheik's acclaimed album "Phantom Moon" and their original songs have been featured in Michael Mayer's film A Home at the End of the World and the forthcoming independent feature Brother's Shadow.

Spring Awakening received an acclaimed American Songbook concert staging at Lincoln Center last season.

The musical plays Tuesday through Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $60.00 and are available by calling Telecharge at 212-239-6200 (Telecharge.com).

Eighteen seats--located on stage--are onsale at every performance for $10 each. Tickets may be reserved in advance by calling (212) 691-5919 ext. 1092 or may be purchased at the box office (336 West 20th Street) two hours prior to curtain.

Visit www.atlantictheater.org for more information.