Deaf West Theatre’s ‘Spring Awakening’ Coming to Broadway

Spring Awakening, which opened on Broadway in 2006, is a risqué rock musical set in Germany and explores themes of youthful revolt, sexuality and morality. Organizers said the engagement will conclude January 9, with no possibility of an extension. No marketing B.S. There is a show that’s coming into the Brooks Atkinson right on our heels.

The revival is choreographed by Spencer Liff and will feature a cast of 27 that blends hearing and deaf performers.

No word yet on casting, but the Deaf West production starred Smash and Broadway alums Krysta Rodriguez and Andy Mientus (Arden’s fiancé), along with Joey Antonio, Hillary Baack, Miles Barbee, Sean Barna, Katie Boeck, Joshua Castille, Julian Comeau, Daniel N. Durant, Treshelle Edmond, Sandra Mae Frank, Kathryn Gallagher, Gabrielle Garza, Sean Grandillo, Karla Gutierrez, Amelia Hensley, Lauren M. Luiz, Daniel Marmion, Austin McKenzie, Natacha Roi, Howie Seago, Daniel David Stewart, Ali Stroker, Alexandra Winter and Alex Wyse. It again will be performed simultaneously in American Sign Language and spoken (and sung) English. “The musicianship and the vocal performances of the Broadway cast being assembled are second to none, and that combined with the unbelievable physicality of the signing actors really raises the emotional bar”. So there’s a attractive metaphor to it being done with this particular set of actors.

Marcella Macdonald, principal of The MGA Academy, said: “We are very proud of Hannah and her outstanding contribution to our production of Spring Awakening“.

Director Michael Arden, who plays Patrick on the FX series “Anger Management”, recently originated the title role in The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Paper Mill Playhouse and La Jolla Playhouse and previously appeared in Deaf West productions of Big River on Broadway and Pippin at the Mark Taper Forum.

Such a fast turnover between Broadway productions is unusual but not unheard-of.

Producers on the Spring Awakening transfer are Ken Davenport, Cody Lassen, Hunter Arnold and Deaf West Theatre.