Michael Doherty Performs in Media's SPRING AWAKENING in Philly, 4/18-5/20

Barrymore-winning actor Michael Doherty will be performing as Georg in The Media Theatre's Philadelphia premiere of Spring Awakening. The Tony winning musical has a radio-friendly score by Duncan Sheik and is based on Frank Wedekind's 1891 piece focusing on the German students coming of age in a repressed society.

Tickets are available at mediatheatre.org or by calling 610-891-0100. The Media Theatre has $25 Tuesdays, $20 Twitter Seats, and $30 Onstage Seats in which audience members sit on the stage during the production. Spring Awakening will play April 18-May 20.

"Georg is a hard working student," Doherty says of his role. "He is dedicated to the piano, but has an inner beast waiting to be unleashed. He's a fine example of what life was like during this time period, when youth were not brought up in a society that embraced sexual awakening."

Steven Sater wrote the book and lyrics to the show, with Sheik's music altering the mood of the musical throughout. "It's part 1890's and part modern," Doherty explained. "The rock score represents the fantasies of the young students, allowing them to release. So those parts of the show are like a concert. It's a show that appeals to youth because it's honestly how young people express themselves."

Jesse Cline, the Artistic Director of the theatre, feels parents should view the show as well. "But the musical is something that anyone who is a parent, particularly a parent of a teen should see," he said. "It's insightful without being harmful in any way."

Michael Doherty was last seen at The Media Theatre in Spelling Bee as Leaf. He later portrayed Leaf for Theatre Horizon, winning the Barrymore Award for his performance. At the Arden Theatre, he was in History Boys, and for 1812 Productions had fun in Show of Shows. Next up, he has People's Light's Mr. Hart and MR. Brown on the boards, as well as the satire Jeff Coon and Ben Dibble Must Die at Philly Fringe.

"The show is contagious," Doherty said. "You'll want to know more about these teenagers."

Tickets are available at mediatheatre.org or by calling 610-891-0100. The Media Theatre has $25 Tuesdays, $20 Twitter Seats, and $30 Onstage Seats in which audience members sit on the stage during the production. Spring Awakening will play April 18-May 20.

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