Believe! The previously reported Deaf West Theatre incarnation of Spring Awakening is eyeing a return to Broadway this fall. According to Deadline, the revival, helmed by Great White Way fave Michael Arden, is heading to a theater to be confirmed and casting notices will be posted later today. No word yet if the production's headliners, Smash and Broadway alums Krysta Rodriguez and Andy Mientus (Arden's fiancé) are on board for the transfer.
A re-imagining of Frank Wedekind's 1891 play with music by Duncan Sheik, book and lyrics by Steven Sater, the Tony-winning Spring Awakening boldly depicts how young people navigate the thrilling, confusing and mysterious time of their sexual awakening. The story centers around a brilliant young student named Melchior, his troubled friend Moritz and Wendla, a beautiful young girl on the verge of womanhood.
Spring Awakening opened on Broadway on December 10, 2006 and received eight Tony Awards including Best Musical. The Great White Way production ran for 859 performances before closing on January 18, 2009.
The Deaf West production was choreographed by Hedwig’s Spencer Liff and performed both in American Sign Language and English. Along with Rodriguez (who appeared in Spring Awakening on Broadway) and Mientus (Les Miz) the cast included Joey Antonio, Hillary Baack, Miles Barbee, Sean Barna, Katie Boeck, Joshua Castille, Julian Comeau, Daniel N. Durant, Treshelle Edmond, Sandra Mae Frank, Kathryn Gallagher, Gabrielle Garza, Sean Grandillo, Karla Gutierrez, Amelia Hensley, Lauren M. Luiz, Daniel Marmion, Austin McKenzie, Natacha Roi, Howie Seago, Daniel David Stewart, Ali Stroker, Alexandra Winter and Alex Wyse.