New York Film Academy Musical Theatre Program Premieres 'Spring Awakening'
New York, NY (PRWEB) May 05, 2014 -- Over the weekend, the New York Film Academy’s Musical Theatre Program wrapped its premier production of the Tony award-winning musical "Spring Awakening". The play, held at the American Theatre of Actors in midtown Manhattan, was the first NYFA performance, produced by Broadway veteran Kristy Cates and Musical Theatre Chair Mark Olsen.
Cates is well known for having played the role of Elphaba in the Broadway, Chicago and National Tour of "Wicked" and holds the honor of being only the third person to perform the role on Broadway. Olsen has directed over forty-five professional and university productions including "HAIR," "My Fair Lady," "Peter Pan," and "West Side Story." Together the producing team put together an incredible cast and crew that included "Aladdin’s" assistant director Nathan Brewer, along with music director Anna Ebbesen and choreographer Chad Austin. Through a very competitive audition process the performers were hand picked by NYFA’s creative team.
The musical is based on an 1891 Frank Wedekind play that revolves around teens who are coming into their own sexuality and unable to properly deal with it, due to their surroundings. The story includes controversial themes such as abortion, rape, homosexuality, child abuse, and suicide.
“With our first show, we knew we wanted to do something bold, something with an edge from a recent generation, something to ‘awaken’ in all of us the sense of being on a fresh and exciting adventure,” said Creative Director of NYFA Musical Theatre, Kristy Cates.
Given the nature of the story, NYFA’s Musical Theatre School has presented itself as a bold and cutting edge program. The production gives students the invaluable opportunity to work on all aspects of a real-world production.
NYFA’s "Spring Awakening" had its opening night on Thursday, May 1st and, after four successful sold out shows from two casts of thirteen students each, wrapped on Saturday, May 3rd with a matinee and night show.
"I was so impressed with both casts,” said NYFA Director of Performing Arts Enrollment, Roger Del Pozo. “The incredibly hard work that they put in to the show was evident in every moment of this amazing production. I am overwhelmed with pride for our amazing students."
In light of the overall success of the play, the New York Film Academy plans on producing a second musical sometime in September 2014.
If you’re interested in learning the art of musical theatre and would like to be a part of this exciting and amazing opportunity, please visit the NYFA Musical Theatre website or call 1 (800) 611-3456.
Frank Pasquine, New York Film Academy, http://www.nyfa.edu, +1 (212) 674-4300, [email protected]
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