‘Spring Awakening’ kicks off ProArts Playhouse’s 2024-25 theatrical season

ProArts Playhouse will stage “Spring Awakening,” a Tony Award-winning musical 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays from July 27 through Aug. 17 at the Azeka Shopping Center (makai side), 1280 South Kīhei Road.

There will be no performances Aug. 8 and Aug. 10 because of memorials of the one-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires disaster. There will be performances Aug. 9 and 11.

Sponsored by RayChin.com, the ProArts production of “Spring Awakening” is being directed by Kiegan Otterson, with music directed by Vania Jerome and dance choreographed by Randi Lonzaga.

The winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Spring Awakening” is told by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater through what Entertainment Weekly called, “the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade (2000’s).” Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. The landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock’n’roll that has exhilarated audiences across the nation like no other musical in years.

According to an announcement, the play is set in Germany, 1891, “a world where the grown-ups hold all the cards. The beautiful young Wendla 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. As Melchior and Wendla eventually fumble their way into one another’s arms, Moritz flounders and soon fails in school. They and their friends navigate teenage self-discovery and coming-of-age anxiety in a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion in the daring, remarkable ‘Spring Awakening.’ “

The two-hour-long production contains mature content, including strong language and sexual situations. The performance is for audiences 18 years and older. Under 16 will not be admitted.

Ticket prices range from $30 to $45. Thursday night performances offer 10% discounts for kama’aina residents. For more information, call 808-463-6550. Season tickets are available.

For information about ProArts Playhouse’s Access for All initiative, click here.