SoL Theatre Company launches Summer Stock Theatre

Carbondale-based SoL Theatre Company is launching a new Summer Stock Theatre with the production of “Spring Awakening,” the winner of eight Tony awards including Best Musical. 

“My dream has been to launch Summer Stock for years,” said Jennifer Johnson, founder and executive Director of SoL Theatre Company, in a press release. “After 12 years of staging productions with local children and teens, we have a cadre of talented college students and young adults who have SoL experience. This production features many students who have acted in previous productions, as well as some visiting actors and local adult actors.”

“Spring Awakening” explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood. The play is set in 1891 Germany, a world where the grown-ups hold all the cards. The beautiful young Wendla explores the mysteries of her body and wonders aloud where babies come from … until Mama tells her to shut it and put on a proper dress.

Elsewhere, the brilliant and fearless young Melchior interrupts a mind-numbing Latin drill to defend his buddy, Moritz — a boy so traumatized by puberty that he can’t concentrate on anything … not that the headmaster cares. He strikes them both and tells them to turn in their lesson.

One afternoon, in a private place in the woods, Melchior and Wendla meet by accident and soon find within themselves a desire unlike anything they’ve ever felt. As they fumble their way into one another’s arms, Moritz flounders and soon fails out of school.

When even his one adult friend, Melchior’s mother, ignores his plea for help, he is left so distraught that he can’t hear the promise of life offered by his outcast friend, Ilse. Naturally, the headmasters waste no time in pinning the “crime” of Moritz’s suicide on Melchior to expel him. And soon, Mama learns that her little Wendla is pregnant. Now the young lovers must struggle against all odds to build a world together for their child.

The landmark musical is a fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll. The musical is directed by Johnson who is joined by associate director and choreographer Luke Ryan and music director Bonnie Draina. Music is by Duncan Sheik, book and lyrics by Steven Slater.

The production will be presented at Thunder River Theatre Company in Carbondale (67 Promenade) on two weekends, July 11–13 and July 18–21, with shows on Thursdays–Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 and are available at https://www.simpletix.com/e/spring-awakening-tickets-155973. For more information, visit http://www.soltheatrecompany.org. 

Please note this production is Rated R for language, adult content, sexual situations, and suicide. Please familiarize yourself with the material before purchasing a ticket, as no refunds will be issued for content.