Three young actors will lead the cast of new musical Spring Awakening when it opens at the Lyric Hammersmith next year.
Charlotte Wakefield, Aneurin Barnard and Iwan Rheon are among a cast of 16-24 year olds – many of whom are making their professional stage debuts – who have been selected by the Lyric Hammersmith following a year-long casting search. They will play the central trio in Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s Tony Award-winning musical, which is to receive its UK premiere courtesy of the entire American creative team.
Based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play, Spring Awakening is set against a backdrop of religious and parental repression in 19th century Germany and centres on the sexual awakening and personal discovery of three young people: brilliant student Melchior (Barnard), his troubled friend Moritz (Rheon) and Wendla (Wakefield), a beautiful young girl on the verge of womanhood.
The show is directed by Michael Mayer and choreographed by Bill T Jones, whose premiere production for the Atlantic Theatre Company in New York won eight Tony Awards in 2007 including Best Musical.
Also among the young cast are: Lucy Barker, Natasha Barnes, Chris Barton, Jamie Blackley, Hayley Gallivan, Natalie Garner, Mona Goodwin, Evelyn Hoskins, Edd Judge, Harry McEntire, Jamie Muscato, Gemma O’Duffy, Jos Slovick and Richard Southgate. Casting for the adult roles in the show is yet to be announced.
Spring Awakening plays at the Lyric Hammersmith from 23 January to 28 February (press night 3 February).
CB