Marriott pushes boundaries with 'Spring Awakening'

When it came time for Marriott Theatre artistic director Aaron Thielen to “throw his hat in the ring as a director,” one show came to mind. It was “Spring Awakening,” the Tony Award-winning musical by composer Duncan Sheik and writer/lyricist Steven Sater adapted from Frank Wedekind's controversial, late 19th-century play about teens exploring their sexuality.

“I feel passionately about the show,” said Thielen, who believed the Lincolnshire theater's in-the-round configuration would lend itself to interesting staging. “I'm always interested in good storytelling that is outside the norm.”

“Spring Awakening,” with its sexual content, explicit language and rock-infused score, isn't the kind of musical Marriott typically produces. Thielen, however, believed audiences would embrace the show. Executive director Terry James and his artistic and production team agreed, but decided to offer the show, which begins previews Jan. 14, as a limited-run production — not as part of its subscription season. Additionally, in deference to more sensitive patrons, they took pains to inform subscribers of the show's R rating, so no one would be caught unaware by the frankness with which “Spring Awakening” addresses teenage sexuality and sexual oppression.

“We're not in the shock business,” said Thielen.

“These are issues that have been around forever,” he added. “They are issues that resonate today, so let's talk about them.”

A longtime advocate for new works, Thielen co-authored Marriott's 2014 world premiere of “October Sky, The Musical” and adapted the film “For the Boys” in 2011.

He acknowledges the risk of producing a show like “Spring Awakening,” but says it's worth it — and not just because the subject matter pushes boundaries and has the potential to expand the audience.

“On paper it shouldn't work, (but) onstage it's magical,” said Thielen.

Thielen calls the musical “a transformative work” that “gets in the soul of your being in a way you don't expect, and changes how you see theater.”

Thielen's observation could apply to 19-year-old Elizabeth Stenholt, who listened to the show constantly after encountering it on TV's “Glee,” which starred Lea Michele, who originated the “Spring Awakening” role of Wendla on Broadway.

“The music and the story is absolutely stunning,” said Stenholt, who makes her Marriott debut as the adventurous Thea.

Stenholt, a Des Plaines native who made her professional debut with Eclipse Theatre Company in Chicago, says, for this young cast, every day is an adventure.

“It's comforting to be surrounded by everyone in the same age group who understands what you're going through ... That alone is a wonderful and unique experience,” said Stenholt, a student at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines.

The cast also includes Chicago-area veterans and multi Joseph Jefferson Award winners Kevin Gudahl and Hollis Resnick in the adult roles.

“Watching them in rehearsal is like a master class in the creative process,” said Wheaton native Brian Bohr, 25. “I've learned so much from witnessing how they handle text, how they handle scene work.”

“I love the show and I think it's incredibly important,” said the Wheaton Warrenville South High School and Northwestern University graduate.

“Spring Awakening” deals with difficult subjects people don't often talk about, which is as true today as it was in the late 19th-century, said Bohr, who plays Hanschen. He said the show “puts a mirror up to society and says: ‘things need to change and we need to be that change.'”

And, while the sexual subject matter departs from Marriott's norm, the production values do not, Bohr said, adding that “Spring Awakening” reflects the same lofty artistic standards as any other Marriott show.

“I've never felt so excited to get to opening night,” he said. “I think it's going to be magic.”

“Spring Awakening”

<b>When:</b> 2 and 8 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays from Thursday, Jan. 14, through Sunday, Jan. 31

<b>Where: </b>Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, (847) 634-0200 or <a href="http://marriotttheatre.com">marriotttheatre.com</a>

<b>Tickets:</b> $50