Shania Mundy (Wendla) and Benji Santiago (Melchior)
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Vanguard Theater Company's production of Spring Awakening has been playing to standing ovations. The musical follows a group of teenagers taking an emotional journey through the turbulence of adolescence. Originally written in 1891, Spring Awakening is set in a provincial town in 19th century Germany that fails its youth by censoring books, silencing dissent, and readily using corporal punishment. Against all obstacles, the teens answer by creating a community of love, support, hope, and change. Performances run Thursdays through Sundays now through July 16, 2023.
Notable in Vanguard’s production is a fully diverse cast that embodies Vanguard’s mission of giving voice and advocacy to a wider range of identities. Though many of the themes in Spring Awakening are universal, how each character experiences them differs based on their lived history.
Says Director Janeece Freeman Clark: "The narrative of this story takes on a few additional layers with our casting. At times, this might feel uncomfortable. I encourage you to lean into that discomfort and allow yourself to experience this story from the viewpoint of many different lenses provided by color conscious casting."
Emma McDonough (Martha) and Elise Killian (Ilse)
Leading the company are Shania Mundy as Wendla, Benji Santiago as Melchior, Timmy Thompson as Moritz, Elise Killian as Ilse, Emma McDonough as Martha, Julie Galorenzo as Adult Woman, Andrew Willis-Woodward as Adult Man, Mikayla White (School of Rock) as Anna, Camille Fundingsland as Thea, William Maus as Otto, Jake Wernecke as Hanschen, Chachi Quinn as Ernst, Chokwe as Georg, and Zack Blumenstyk as Moritz (Final Weekend). Rounding out the ensemble and covering various roles are Gabby Brubrick (u/s Thea & Anna), Samy Cordero (u/s Wendla), Bryce Gray (u/s Georg and Ernst), Brianna Marie Johnson (u/s Ilse), and Aydan Salim (u/s Otto).
Janeece Freeman Clark helms the creative team which includes Set dDesigner Eric Marchetta, Intimacy and Fight Director Katie Claire, Costume Designer Terrell Jordan Jenkins, Lighting Designer David Heguy, Music Director Matthew Going, and Production Manager Terri Gorgone.
See what people are saying about the production.
“I was blessed to see the most amazing production of Spring Awakening I’ve seen to date. I saw both productions (original and revival) on Broadway. The Vanguard Theater Company production is my favorite! The set, amazing singing, and the choreography was beautiful. Janeece Freeman Clark has directed the heck out of this piece. Run, don’t walk to see this production.” - Kenneth Green
“It’s so tragically beautiful. The production highlighted a lot of the subtext of the show that I didn’t get when I watched it for the first time live, and even though I know the show, I still had so many realizations…You can tell that they went through the intention and subtext of every single line and moment on stage. It’s stunning.” - @_.d.a.n
“We drove from Brooklyn to see it. Absolutely LOVED it!” - M.G.
Spring Awakening runs June 22 - July 16 with performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays 2:00pm & 7:00pm. Tickets: $35 and up. Purchase: bit.ly/ticketsVTC or by emailing the Vanguard Theater box office at boxoffice@dreamvtc.org. Individual tickets, memberships, and subscriptions are available.
The production is recommended for ages 13 and over (themes include suicide, abortion and sexual awakening).
A portion of proceeds from Spring Awakening will be donated to Planned Parenthood and Everytown for Gun Safety.
Founded in 2015, Vanguard Theater Company challenges conventional social and cultural narratives through theater dedicated to DREAM: Diversity, Reciprocity, Education, Activism, and Mentorship. They approach this mission through color and gender-conscious casting in their professional Mainstage productions, ongoing education and mentorship programs, and summer camps.
All photos by Spotlights Photography
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