Neurodiverse theatre company EPIC Players will present a neuroinclusive production of Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater's Spring Awakening May 9-12 and May 16-19 at A.R.T./New York's Mezzanine Theatre.
The cast includes Sydney Kurland as Wendla, Laisha Gonzalez as Martha, Rachel Barcellona as Thea, Katherine Tepan as Anna, Mina Cuesta as Ilse, Will Ketter as Melchior, Reuben Baron as Moritz, Samuel Langshteyn as Hanschen, Josh Cartegna as Ernst, Rafiq Tate as Georg, Shafer Gootkind as Otto, Shoshanna Gleich as Adult Woman 1, Samantha Elisofon as Adult Woman 2, Gerard Riley as Adult Man 1, Max Tunney as Adult Man 2, and Chloe Rose Solomon as the voice of Hanschen. The ensemble includes Henry Houghton and Emy Ramos.
Spring Awakening journeys through the trials and challenges of adolescence, including the mystery of attraction, desire, sex, and insecurity. The work features a book and lyrics by Sater, with music by Sheik. The original Broadway production, which opened in 2006, received eight Tony Awards including Best Musical.
Travis Burbee directs the production. The creative team also includes music director Blake Brauer, choreographer Miles Butler, stage manager Sydnee Davis, assistant stage managers Carol Hoverman and Cassidy Kaye, director of artistic sign language Kailyn Aaron-Lozano, intimacy and fight director Hannah "Rock" Roccisano, scenic designer Matthew Imhoff, sound designer Sean Ramos, costume designer Nicole Zausmer, props designer Madisen Frazier, light designer Cameron Filepas, executive artistic director Aubrie Therrien, and mental health counselor Taupa Fogo-Toussaint.
Video streaming will be available during the second weekend of performances. Accessibility accommodations, which are available upon request, include ADA seating, assisted listening devices, noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, and quiet zones. Two ASL-interpreted performances are scheduled for May 9 and 16. The company also implements a relaxed atmosphere at all performances, allowing patrons with disabilities to talk and vocalize as they wish, as well as leave and re-enter the seating area as needed.
EPIC Players is a non-profit and neurodiverse theatre company which produces mainstage productions, musical cabarets, and original showcases that feature neurodiverse artists. It also provides classes and access to resources as part of its mission to further inclusion of neurodiverse artists and communities in the arts.
Visit EPICPlayersNYC.org for tickets and more information.
