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Chance Theater, Anaheim’s official resident theater company, continues to bring to the stage impressionable and thought provoking live productions of relevant subject matters. Relatable raw human emotions that the audience can transcend through powerhouse performances and evocative design. “Spring Awakening” at the Chance Theater in Anaheim is another reflection of the creative team’s dedication to serving its community with invaluable contributions to art and humanity.
It’s 1891, passion and curiosity lead vulnerable and rebellious youth anxiously struggling to navigate stringent expectations of society overseen by domineering adults. With only each other for guidance, this group of young people navigates the rocky path of adolescence, discovering their bodies, their minds, and themselves along the way. With its fusion of morality, sexuality, indie rock score, and poetic lyrics, “Spring Awakening” delivers a beautifully necessary coming-of-age story that packs a powerful and emotional punch of radiant pain and possibility.
The design from top to bottom showcases the stunning dedication of those on and backstage. The grayscale set gives way to nooks, corridors, and shelves providing space for performers not only to act and sing, but also play live instruments. From guitars, cello, keys, and drum set, talent is spilling out from every inch of the stage. The quadruple threats can be seen, heard, and felt. The choreography begins with hand motions self discovery of the body whilst touching the mind. The progression to intimate exploration of the heart and soul. The conservative costumes become slightly relaxed and adopt muted colors as life unfolds.
The story between adult and youth craft the imbalance of over protection and denial of truth. The shield designed to protect morphs into a wall to keep away knowledge. How is the younger generation to learn and grow without wisdom passed on. The hungry mind thirsty to soak up the world. The outcome of the young a reflection of the adults who let the children starve and to fend for themselves. Hardly ever questioning to blame themselves for whatever teachings they spared.
The mesmerizing vocals genuine and heartfelt in the void of their tearful ode. The sentimental power of “Rent” meets with the hopeless romanticism of “Hadestown”. “Spring Awakening” is a masterpiece mainstay for theater lovers and theater goers. A pinnacle watch and listen for both young and old. The story and songs will continue to breath into the soul throughout time.
The cast features Cordyon Melgoza as Melchior, Hayley Stallings as Wendla, Brody Tarrant Sitton as Moritz, Isabella Kaplan as Ilse, Emma Magbanua as Martha, Diego Huerta-Gutierrez as Ernst, Caiden Falstrup-Finney as Hanschen, Jack Thomas Aitken as Georg, Linda Bard as Thea, Jaylen Baham as Otto, Naya Ramsey-Clarke as Anna, Erica Farnsworth as Adult Woman, and James Michael McHale as Adult Man.
Book and lyrics by Steven Sater, music by Duncan Sheik, original text by Frank Wedekind. Directed by Jocelyn A. Brown. Music direction by Robyn Manion. Choreographed by Mo Goodfellow. The eight-time Tony Award-winning musical sensation, including best musical, runs July 11 to August 10, 2025.
For more information including tickets sales, visit www.chancetheater.com or call (888) 455-4212.
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