Spring Awakening, 1891

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Spring Awakening was Frank Wedekind's first play, published at his own expense in 1891. The play focuses on the budding sexual maturity of youths in what Wedekind considered to be a sexually repressed society at the time. The play was first performed in 1906 in Germany, and in 1917 debuted in English.

Due to the nature of its content, the play was frequently banned. Indeed, the 1917 performance was almost shut down due to the New York City Commissioner of Licenses claiming the play was pornographic. An injunction by the Supreme Court allowed the play to go on, but it failed after a single performance.

A new, musical interpretation of Spring Awakening (Musical) played at the Atlantic Theater Company in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood through early August 2006. The production is scheduled to begin previews on Broadway on November 17, 2006,and premiere on December 10th.

From the Atlantic Theater Company website: SPRING AWAKENING -- A New Musical. Book & lyrics by Steven Sater, music by Duncan Sheik based on the play by Frank Wedekind, choreographed by Bill T. Jones, directed by Michael Mayer. Written in 1891 by Frank Wedekind and banned for 70 years, Spring Awakening is the haunting and powerful tale of tragic young love. Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Duncan Sheik and playwright Steven Sater breathe new life into this expressionist masterpiece with their beautifully dark musical adaptation.

In Fall 2006, the musical moved uptown to Broadway at the Eugene O'Neil theatre. Spring Awakening opened on December 10, 2006 to rave reviews. The show is currently playing on broadway www.springawakening.com

[edit] External links

• Study guide containing summary, analysis, history, background, and quizzes on Spring Awakening.

• Atlantic Theater Company website with information about the show.

• Playbill article about show moving to Broadway.

• Homepage of Spring Awakening on Broadway.