information from Ballard High School Playmakers

The Ballard High School (BHS) Playmakers will stage the rock musical Spring Awakening virtually on May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, reminding viewers everywhere that “we’ve all got our junk.” 

The nature of all teenagers is to question their parents. Back in 1890’s Germany on the cusp of the Industrial Revolution, things were no different. Spring Awakening is based on German playwright Frank Wedekind’s controversial play from 1891. It was so scandalous in its day for addressing sex violence and suicide that it was not staged until 1906. This contemporary production was first staged on Broadway in 2006, with a rock soundtrack by Duncan Sheik. 

The story follows three teenagers in a small German village: blossoming 14-year-old Wendla; socially awkward Moritz; and their fearless classmate Melchior. Raised by prudish parents in a repressive school environment, they experience the dawn of their own sexuality. Inevitably they awaken to both joy and pain, with little direction from the adults around them.

“Teenagers face hardships in every generation and this year has been no exception,” says BHS Theatre Director Shawn M. Riley. “I chose this play because the message of Spring Awakening is that whatever you’re going through and whoever you are, your feelings are valid and you absolutely have a voice.”

Ballard’s virtual production is directed by Riley with musical direction by BHS choir teacher Courtney Rowley. Eia Waltzer choreographed the show and BHS alumnus Gustavo Gutierrez is director of photography and editing.

Note: Parental Guidance Advisory for explicit language and content.
Trigger Warning: The musical addresses adult and teenage themes, such as teen pregnancy, suicide, academic pressure, and social acceptance. During the run of the show there will be virtual talk-backs with mental health professionals. Look for meeting dates/times at ballardperformingarts.org as we get closer to showtime.

Tickets
The ticket price is $25. Order tickets at www.showtix4u.com and you will be provided a link to watch it on the evening you select. For any questions please contact Shawn Riley at smriley@seattleschools.org. 

Performance Details

The play will livestream May 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14, 15 at 7:30 p.m. Performers rehearsed completely via Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Purchasing  a “streaming” ticket is the same as buying a ticket to a traditional live production. You will receive an email from SHOWTIX4U.com with the link in it for viewing the show. 

NOTE: The ticket you buy will indicate the specific date you chose on the website. The link is only good for one viewing on that day. It is not a live link that can be sent to others to watch the show when you are finished with it.

Cast and Crew

Character ...... Student

Melchior Gabor Milo Palmer

Wendla Bergman Tova Goedert

Hanschen Rilow Vee Ashmun

Ernst Robel Hadley Mollman

Martha Bessell Lili Reigart

Georg Zirschnitz Andrei Whyte

Adult Man Will Shepard

Ilse Neumann Lydia VanKley

Adult Woman Rose Shipley

Moritz Steifel Sebastian Varriano

Otto Lammermeier Elijah Graham

Anna Mercedes Tucker

Thea Ella Papineau

Ensemble Maylie Gardner, Hope Onstad, Emma VanSteenis, Bridget 

Donnelly, Gabby Bandy, Ainslee Workman, Eliot Jamet, Will Shepard

Make it Dinner and a Show: Alison’s Coastal Kitchen Takeout Dinner Box

Ballard Performing Arts Boosters and Alison’s Coastal Cafe and Bakery  (now also serving food at the Ballard Elks Club!) have teamed up to offer two special take-home dinners to celebrate the musical the weekends the show is running.

Spring Awakening Dinner Box Menus--
Choose from Three  Options!

$55 price (serves 2 people)

Spring Chicken and Pasta Dinner Box (Vegetarian option available) 

Spring Salad (greens, candied pecans, gorgonzola, cranberries, green apple with berry vinaigrette)

Pasta Florentine with Grilled Chicken Breast OR Grilled Portabella Mushroom

Marinated Grilled Zucchini

Lemon Berry Crumble Bars (lemon cheesecake shortbread bar with blackberries and shortbread crumble)

Spring Steak Dinner Box for 2 

Spring Salad (greens, candied pecans, gorgonzola, cranberries, green apple with berry vinaigrette)

10oz. Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Marinated Grilled Zucchini

Lemon Berry Crumble Bars (lemon cheesecake shortbread bar with blackberries and shortbread crumble)

$5 from every box sold will be donated to Ballard Performing Arts to support virtual learning, paying for coaching and clinicians, instrument repair and maintenance and more as the school prepares to return in-person to Theatre, Bands, Orchestras, Choirs and Jazz.

Preorder now (with 24-hour notice): https://alisons-coast-at-home.square.site/

Pick up your dinner orders at the restaurant: 5404 Leary Ave NW between 2 and 6 p.m. of the day you select. Park at the 3-minute loading zone in front for contactless pickup inside. 

Ballard Performing Arts

The award-winning Ballard High School Performing Arts (BPA) Program has gained regional, national, and international acclaim for its dynamic and inspired performances. The Music Department includes two concert bands, three concert choirs, two concert orchestras, percussion ensemble, two jazz bands, one jazz choir, multiple chamber ensembles and a marching band of nearly 200 musicians. The Theatre Department offers classes in Technical Theatre and Theatre I and II while the Ballard Playmakers produce two plays and one musical theatre production each year.  More than 450 students—about one fourth of the school—participate in these music and theatre opportunities. Learn more: ballardperformingarts.org

Contact

Shawn M. Riley, Ballard High School Theatre Director, smriley@seattleschools.org; 206-252-1000

Rhenda Meiser, BPA Theatre Publicist, rhenda@rhendameiser.com; 206-465-9532