Photo Flash: First Look- SPRING AWAKENING at The Merc

Cabaret at The Merc's new 2014 Summer Series followed up Next to Normal with the Tony Award-winning musical sensation, Spring Awakening, book and lyrics by Steven Sater, music by Duncan Sheik, based on the play by Frank Wedekind, musical direction by Cris O'Bryon, choreography by Evan D'Angeles and directed by J. Scott Lapp.

Check out the first production shots below!

Winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening is a rock musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind's 1891 expressionist play about the trials and tribulations, and the exhilaration of the teen years. Spring Awakening explores the confusion and desperation that ensue when the onrushing tide of hormones meets the ignorance of children and celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, poignancy, and passion that you will never forget.

The company is comprised of an incredible group of young, up-and-coming talent from all over Southern California. In the role of Melchior, San Diego actor Nick Eiter (Snoopy in YAGMCB, Angel in RENT and Lord Farquaad in Shrek) is excited to be in his first production at The Merc. Joining him is Emily Chelsea (Bernice in Bernice Bob's Her Hair, Serena in Legally Blonde), a local actress, who is going into her Senior year at Cal State Fullerton in the role of Wendla. Audiences may remember Austyn Myers (Gavroche in the Broadway Revival of Les Miserables, First Wives Club and Lost in Yonkers at the Old Globe) from 13, who will be coming back to play the role of Moritz. The role of Ilse will be played by Lindsay Joan (Natalie in Next to Normal, Eponine in Les Miserables) who was a part of Cabaret at The Merc's 2014 Rising Stars show. Martha will be played by Hayley Marian, a recent graduate of Classical Academy and will be attending Northridge in the Fall. The company is rounded out by Jonathan Sangster (Ernst), Tyler Lenhart (Hanschen), A.J.Foggiano (Otto), Claire Keefer (Anna),Bailey Sonner (Thea), Zackary Scot Wolfe (Georg) and Joseph Arreola (Adult Man) and Katie Larsen (Adult Female).

According to Cabaret at The Merc's co-artistic director, J. Scott Lapp, "Spring Awakening is the perfect union of an impactful, youth-driven story and a high-quality, award-winning musical. It's the perfect show for our New Summer Series, as we aim to stage bold, adventurous plays for our savy audiences with extraordinary talent and professionalism that our patrons have come to expect. Spring Awakening is a production that can not be missed!"

Spring Awakening will play one weekend only, Friday August 8 thru Tuesday August 12th 2014 at The Merc in Temecula, California. Tickets are priced at $30.00 and can be purchased by visiting www.CabaretAtTheMerc.com or www.TemeculaTheater.org or by calling the Old Town Community Theater Box Office at 1-866-653-8696.

Photo credit: Jeff Sherwood