Civic Theatre to Open 2013-14 Season with SPRING AWAKENING, 10/11-27

One of the most buzzed about new musicals of the last decade, Duncan Sheik's "Spring Awakening" will make its Lehigh Valley debut in an all-new production at Civic Theatre of Allentown, October 11 - 27, 2013 as part of Civic Theatre's 2013-14 main stage season. "Spring Awakening" is the recipient of 8 Tony Awards including Best musical. It will play at Civic's historic 19th Street Theatre facility for 9 performances, including 2 special reduced-priced opening weekend "previews". Tickets for opening weekend are discounted nearly 30 percent. All tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Civic Theatre Box Office, online at www.CivicTheatre.com, or by phone at 610-432-8943.

"Spring Awakening" swept the 2007 Tony Awards winning eight out of its eleven nominations, including Best Musical, Best Director, Best Book, Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations, Best Lighting Design, and Best Featured Actor. The original cast recording of "Spring Awakening" also won the 2008 Grammy for Best Musical Show Album.

Based on the 1891 Frank Wedekind play, "Spring Awakening" features an electrifying score by Duncan Sheik with book and lyrics Steven Sater. Civic's production is directed and choreographed by Artistic Director William Sanders with musical direction by Justin Brehm.

Set against the backdrop of a repressive and provincial late 19th century Germany, "Spring Awakening" tells the timeless story of teenage self-discovery and budding sexuality as seen through the eyes of three teenagers. Haunting and provocative, "Spring Awakening" celebrates an unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with power, poignancy and passion.

Set design is by Jason Sherwood, costume and lighting design is by Will Morris.

"Spring Awakening" stars Nina Attinello as Wendla and Michael Barthel as Melchior. Also featured are Alexander Michaels as Moritz, Bryan Dougherty as Hanschen, Morgan Reilly as Ilse, Johnny Schaffer as Otto, Aria Sivick as Thea, Tommy Walters as Ernst, Kayla Weinerman as Martha, William West as Georg, Gabrielle Whitney as Anna, JoAnn Basist as Adult Female and Robert Torres as Adult Male. Emma Anthony, Melissa Egan, Meredith Lipson, Andrew Schaffer, Robert Stinner, and Davis Weaver round out the cast.

Hailed as the "Best Musical of the Year" by the NY Drama Critics Circle, the Drama Desk, the Outer Critics Circle and the Tony Awards, "Spring Awakening" has emerged as the most talked about new musical of the last decade. Critics were unanimous in their praise. "Broadway may never be the same. This brave new musical, haunting and electrifying by turns, restores the mystery and the thrill to that shattering transformation that stirs in all of our souls," wrote Charles Isherwood in The New York Times.

Civic Theatre presents "Spring Awakening" Fridays, October 11, 18 and 25 and Thursdays October 17 and 23 at 7:00 pm; Saturdays, October 12, 19, 26 at 8:00 pm; and Sunday, October 27 at 2 pm. Tickets range in price from $15-$31 depending on the performance date. For the first time this year, Civic Theatre is offering special reduced price tickets to opening weekend (Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12). Tickets for those performances are $20 for students and seniors and $22 for adults. Civic also offers Super Thursdays, where student and senior tickets are $20 and adult tickets are $25. All seats are reserved. In addition, Civic is offering last minute student rush tickets (with valid ID) at the door for $15. These are the only ticket discounts Civic will offer during the run.

Please note: "Spring Awakening" contains mature themes, sexual situations and strong language and is not suitable for all audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

For more information, visit www.CivicTheatre.com.

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