Theatre News

Spring Awakening Posts Closing Notices, 30 May

| London's West End |

12 May 2009

Alt-rock musical Spring Awakening has posted closing notices at the Novello Theatre, where it has been running since 21 March and was originally booking until 31 October 2009 (See News, 18 Feb 2009). It will now close on 30 May.

The UK premiere production, which enjoyed a six week run at the Lyric Hammersmith prior to its West End transfer, is directed by Michael Mayer, choreographed by Bill T Jones – from the reunited New York creative team – and stars newcomers Charlotte Wakefield (as Wendla), Iwan Rheon (Moritz) and Aneurin Barnard (Melchior).

A statement from the show’s producers said: “Despite the most positive critical response to a theatrical production
in recent years, the enthusiasm of the media, accessible ticket pricing
and the incredible response audiences give the show each night, simply
not enough tickets are being sold.

“We are grateful to all of the people who have supported the show and to
those who have worked so tirelessly and passionately throughout the run. We also salute all of those involved who have made efforts in the last few days in an attempt to avoid this unfortunate outcome. We simply urge everyone to see this wonderful musical, and its extraordinary cast, before it finishes.”

The musical premiered at New York’s Atlantic Theater Company in May 2006 and transferred that December to Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre, going on to win eight trophies, including Best Musical, at the 2007 Tony Awards (See News, 11 Jun 2007). Recently rumours have surfaced that a big-screen adaptation could be in the offing (See The Goss, 15 Apr 2009).

Spring Awakening, which has music by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater, is based on the Frank Wedekind’s 1891 play of the same name about sexual discovery. Set in 19th-century Germany, the story centres on brilliant student Melchior, his troubled friend Moritz and Wendla, a beautiful girl on the verge of womanhood.

– by Theo Bosanquet