SPRING AWAKENING Opens 10/9 at Wagner College’s Stage One

Wagner College Theatre will open the 2012-13 Stage One studio theater season with Frank Wedekind's "Spring Awakening: A Children's Tragedy." Written and set in 1890 Germany, the controversial play criticizes the sexually oppressive culture of the time.

            "Spring Awakening" follows a group of young students as they experience the difficult and emotional journey from adolescence to adulthood. While being faced with the struggles of understanding themselves and their sexual feelings, authority figures such as teachers and parents do their best to suppress the natural thoughts and instincts of the children. Banned for decades in Germany for its controversial subject matter, the play regained popularity recently when it was adapted into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.

            The Wagner College Theatre production is directed by adjunct professor David Ledoux. Ledoux said that the play is a representation of "what happens to society when one's sexual and animal impulses are repressed: The lid explodes!" The topics in the play - sexual education, homosexuality, teenage pregnancy, and their social responses - remain relevant, the director said.

            Ledoux is excited to be making his directorial debut at Wagner College.

            "We have a huge cast, and it has been a phenomenal experience so far," Ledoux said. "It is really a great community to work with."

            The cast includes seniors Melanie Brook, Jenny Kelly, Anthony Colassuono, JoNathan Goodman and Steven Godoy.

            "Spring Awakening" plays Oct. 9-14, with showtimes as below:

            All tickets are $10 for every show. For tickets to this show, or a Wagner College Theatre season subscription, call the box office at 718-390-3259.