Spring Awakening, a rock musical directed by Sylvaine Strike, opens at Theatre on the Bay on 24 November and runs until 3 December 2023.
The Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) will present their much anticipated final production for 2023. The powerful rock musical that scooped eight Tony Awards in 2007 including Best Musical, will be directed by award winning writer and actress Sylvaine Strike (Firefly, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Donkerbos, District 9). Niall Griffin (Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story, Dinner with the 42’s, Hedwig and the Angry Inch), the winner of numerous design awards, will helm the design bringing the set, costumes and lighting elements together into a visually beautiful and cohesive world. Musical Direction is by the formidable team of Amy Campbell and Anton Luitingh while Duane Alexander acts as Choreographic Supervisor to the two promising Choreographers and LAMTA Alumni, Anna Olivier and Naoline Quinzen who have impressed audiences in past LAMTA productions with their innovative, original style of work.
The critically acclaimed, ground-breaking musical that is loosely set in 1895, has consistently pushed boundaries and captivated audiences with powerful storytelling, unforgettable music and thought-provoking themes that surround the trials and tribulations of growing up in the oppressive society of the day. Based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial play that was first performed in Germany in 1906, Spring Awakening delves into the lives of a group of adolescents students discovering their sexual identities and desires as they rebel against the prevailing burdensome and restrictive societal norms.
Under Sylvaine Strike’s visionary direction, this reimagined production will expertly bring the gripping and emotional story to life as it explores complex themes such as self-discovery, repression and the power of rebellion.
A fusion of electrifying rock music that was once hailed as ‘the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade,’ Spring Awakening is underpinned by passionate performances in a daring exploration of adolescence. The talented LAMTA cast will convey the raw emotions of these characters through strong musical numbers in a range of genres from heart-wrenching ballads to raucous rock anthems, that will stay with audiences long after they have left the theatre.
Award winning designer Niall Griffin has taken an inspiring eco approach making all the props, scenery, wardrobe and everything in between from natural fibre products, with environmentally friendly paints and dyes used throughout. The entire production is bespoke, with no repurposed or borrowed items on stage and where all materials such as wood and fabrics, have been sustainably sourced and created from scratch right down to the shoes and where even ends of laces that have been dipped in wax as opposed to plastic, as per what was typically done in the Victorian era. “It has been a huge undertaking and a very rewarding one at that, for both Sylvaine and I,” says Griffin.
“This production of Spring Awakening by LAMTA is a creative collaboration between diverse and passionate individuals who have come together to retell this incredible story,” says Anton Luitingh. “At the Academy we aim to push the boundaries of traditional musical theatre and create an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impact on all who attend.” With their unwavering commitment to producing high-quality musical theatre, LAMTA is excited to bring this ground-breaking production to life.
WHAT: Spring Awakening, a rock musical
WHERE: Theatre on the Bay, 3 Link Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town 8005
WHEN: 24 November to 3 December 2023
BOOKING: Tickets R250 to R350 through Webtickets or the Theatre on the Bay box office on 021 438 3301 with discounts available for students, seniors.
INFO: T 021 438 3301 | E mike@theatreonthebay.co.za | Visit
Please note that Spring Awakening contains mature themes, partial nudity, sexual situations as well as explicit language. No persons under 13.
