Directors' Note:
Thank you all for coming to BU On Broadway’s production of Spring Awakening. Making its debut on Broadway in December 2006, this show made history as its unique rock tone challenged what theatre could be and explicitly displayed the inner frustrations of adolescents. It serves as a warning against ignorance, showing what happens when adults don’t listen to their children and blindly enforce the status quo. The themes of Spring Awakening are still relevant today, such as the importance of mental health, education, and the dangers of censorship.
A specific note from Leah: When I was presented with the opportunity to direct Spring Awakening, I knew I couldn’t say no. Since first listening to the soundtrack in my freshman year of high school (also the peak of my musical theatre phase), this show has remained a constant in my life. I am so grateful for this experience and how I have been able to grow as a person and a director with this beautifully heartbreaking show. Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without my literal twin, Liz Ritter - thank you for keeping me sane and taking on this challenge together.
A specific note from Liz: Working on both choreography and direction of this show has given me a deeper understanding of this material and every day I am so grateful for this opportunity. Spring Awakening has been one of my favorite shows for nearly five years now and I have been so incredibly lucky to be able to come to work and immerse myself in this terrific show. I will forever cherish this experience and more so, the chance to share it with my partner in crime Leah Katz.
To our cast, we are so proud of the hard work and dedication you have put into this show. We are so impressed by everything you do on stage and you have inspired us to become better directors every day. Thank you for becoming such a talented tight-knit community and bringing your all to this production.
To our creative team and crew, thank you for being the absolute backbone of the show and bringing your expertise and creativity to every corner of this production. This show quite literally wouldn’t be standing here today without you and we’re so proud and thankful for all you have done. We’d like to extend a special thank you to our Intimacy Director, Yo-El Cassell for ensuring all our actors feel comfortable and safe with each other. Another special thanks to Brooke Sanders and Noah Phillips for your commitment and talent throughout the entire process, from pitches to performance.
Finally, thank you to everyone involved for creating a welcoming and fun environment where we can express ourselves through this heavy material. We would like to acknowledge the trigger warnings for this content, which include domestic violence, sexual abuse, suicide, and abortion. Please note we also use strobe lights in this production.
Thank you again for coming to BU On Broadway’s Production of Spring Awakening. We hope you enjoy this whisper of spring in December.
~ Leah Katz and Elizabeth Ritter
