Spring Awakening at Vanguard Theater

Spring Awakening, June 22 – July 16, Vanguard Theater, Montclair, NJ

Playing in Montclair, NJ, at Vanguard Theater for 20 performances, this rock 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. 

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. 

Invited previews began June 20, and the show opens on June 12. The strictly limited run concludes on Sunday, July 16. See the production photo gallery below (All photos Spotlights Photography).

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. 

Spring Awakening runs June 22 - July 16 / Thursdays through Saturdays 8pm / Sundays 2pm and 7pm.

Tickets: $35 and up. Purchase: bit.ly/ticketsVTC or by emailing the Vanguard Theater box office at boxoffice@dreamvtc.org

Founded in 2015, Vanguard challenges conventional social and cultural narratives through theater dedicated to DREAM: Diversity, Reciprocity, Education, Activism, and Mentorship. We approach this mission through color and gender-conscious casting in our professional Mainstage productions, ongoing education and mentorship programs, and summer camps.  Visit us at VanguardTheaterCompany.org . Find us across social media @vtcnj 

Authors

• Duncan Sheik
• Edward Bond
• Frank Wedekind
• Steven Sater

Tony Awards and Nominations for Spring Awakening