Spring Awakening to Bloom at the O'Neill in November

Spring Awakening, the hit Duncan Sheik-Steven Sater musical about the hormonal turmoil of adolescence, is set to begin previews at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on November 17th, according to the New York Times, although no opening date has been announced yet.

Spring Awakening will be brought to Broadway by producers Ira Pittleman and Tom Hulce, who were also its Off-Broadway producers (along with the Atlantic Theater Company, where it played an extended run from June 15th through August 5th).

On behalf of the producing team, Pittelman previously said "We're really pleased that this exciting and unique production will now reach a much wider audience. Duncan, Steven and Michael have created a musical experience that's very special and we are proud that this new work is on its way to Broadway. While we continue to have discussions with additional partners and theater owners to firm up our plans, one thing is very clear: we WILL move this show to Broadway.".

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

"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, his troubled friend Moritz and Wendla, a beautiful young girl on the verge of womanhood.

At the Atlantic, Spring Awakening featured 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.

Full casting has not yet been announced for the Broadway production.