Bright smiles and romantic storylines are often what come to mind when you think of musicals. But students at Crosskeys Campus are excited to be bringing something different and a little darker to the stage with the Welsh premiere of rock musical Spring Awakening from 1-3 February.
Set in late 19th century Germany, Spring Awakening is an adaptation of the controversial 1891 German play of the same name by Frank Wedekind. Featuring music by Duncan Sheik and lyrics by Steven Sater, the musical follows a group of teenagers as they explore their sexuality.
The cast of Musical Theatre students are gearing up to perform the show at Coleg Gwent’s Crosskeys Campus Theatre, the first time the musical has been performed anywhere in Wales. Budding actors and actresses will be putting their performance skills to the test in the edgy musical and hope it will be a great success.
“Spring Awakening is a contemporary musical, quite hard-hitting and controversial,” says Musical Theatre Lecturer Cheryl Harper. “Students are keen to take up the challenge and tackle the adult themes. They’ve been working hard to portray complex emotions well. It’s a great chance for them to push themselves professionally and use the skills they’ve been learning. Fantastic strong musical numbers and the energy of the cast will make this an excellent show.”
Michaela Thomas, 17 from Risca, will be playing the tragic character of Wendla Bergmann in the show, she said: “The part of Wendla appealed to me because it’s very different to anything I’ve played before. The character is very naïve, and upset by the lack of support and knowledge from her mother as she grows up. I’m looking forward to the show; it’s got some strong messages but is also very entertaining. It’s an amazing opportunity to be a part of the Spring Awakening cast.”
Spring Awakening performances (suitable audience age 16+ only) will take place from Tuesday 1 to Thursday 3 February 2011 at Crosskeys Campus Theatre. Tickets cost £6. Please contact Coleg Gwent on 01495 333 400 or 07790 555 419 or email [email protected].
