AKTP presents rock musical 'Spring Awakening'

Alpine Theatre Project’s AKTP theatre education program is bringing the regional premiere of "Spring Awakening," the rock musical that took Broadway by storm and dominated the 2007 Tony Awards. It will be performed April 22- 24 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

Based on the 1891 German play by Frank Wedekind with music by Duncan Sheik and lyrics by Steven Sater, Spring Awakening tells a powerful tale of teenage physical discovery, love, loss, and the tensions that arise between teens and the adults who care for them. Through a series of hard-hitting alt-rock and pop-folk melodies, the musical presents powerful issues that resonate in modern times.

“This is by far the most challenging piece we have ever worked on with our students,” says director, Betsi Morrison. “It’s unflinching in its look at tough issues that adolescents still deal with today like sex, suicide, and abuse. But it also has a heart-wrenching innocence and tenderness that reminds us all about the craziness of growing up.”

The Spring Awakening cast is made up of 18 high school students from Flathead, Glacier, Columbia Falls, and Whitefish high schools. It is directed by ATP’s co-founders Betsi Morrison and Luke Walrath.

The mission of AKTP, Alpine Theatre Project’s educational outreach program, is to foster con?dence and creativity in local students through participation in theatre. Past high school productions include Disney's High School Musical,Sweeney Todd, Rent, Les Miserables, and last year's production of Legally Blonde. Over 1,000 students from every school in the Valley have participated in the program since it began. The 2016 AKTP program is presented by Kalispell KiDDS and sponsored by Freedom Bank, Phil & Donna Harris, with assistance from State Farm Insurance - Tim Murphy.

AKTP’s Spring Awakening runs from April 22-24 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $8 for students and $18 for adults. Due to the mature content of the production, it is not recommended for students under 14. Please call 406-862-SHOW or visit atpwhitefish.org for tickets and information.