Seasons Of Spring - A look back at our first year
How do you measure a year? Hundreds of performances, kisses, videos and blog posts later, the cast of Spring Awakening have shared some of their most fun, exciting, and touching moments on the road, spreading the SA love across the country, performing to thousands every night. Before we embark on our second year with some old and new faces, Freddy Hall wanted to create a video to look back and ask...how do you measure a year? Thanks Freddy!
And feel free to post a comment below on what has been your favorite videos, photo, or blog captured this past year.
VIDEO
9/30/09
For Guilty Ones in Costa Mesa and Hershey
1) Kick Off party for Costa Mesa Guilty Ones:
Mon Oct 5th 6 pm
Plaza Level Cafe Segerstrom Hall
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA
To RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=134288258578&index=1
email: OCGuiltyOnes (at) ocpac (dot) org
2) Kick Off Party for Hershey, PA Guilty Ones will be Sat Oct 24th. Please save the date! More info will be emailed to you soon.
Sam, our coordinator, can be reached at
HersheyPAGuiltyOnes (at) gmail (dot) com
(there is no need to re-send your information if you already sent it to the nationalguiltyones address).
Join the new Facebook group now: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=161418622657&ref=search&sid=505719302.1858871198..1
Mon Oct 5th 6 pm
Plaza Level Cafe Segerstrom Hall
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA
To RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=134288258578&index=1
email: OCGuiltyOnes (at) ocpac (dot) org
2) Kick Off Party for Hershey, PA Guilty Ones will be Sat Oct 24th. Please save the date! More info will be emailed to you soon.
Sam, our coordinator, can be reached at
HersheyPAGuiltyOnes (at) gmail (dot) com
(there is no need to re-send your information if you already sent it to the nationalguiltyones address).
Join the new Facebook group now: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=161418622657&ref=search&sid=505719302.1858871198..1
Class Assignment: Favorite and Worst Memories Year One
Class Assignment: As we get ready to kick start another year filled with adventures, we asked our cast and band members to reflect on their favorite and least favorite memory from the first year. This is the most repeated question that comes up every time we do a call out for Profiles of the Month. Here are their answers.
Christy Altomare
I have had so many incredible memories of this tour, but I guess if I had to pick one.. It would be performing at the Borders in LA with Kyle and Steven Sater. Steven talked so much about how the play was created and his inspirations for the few songs Kyle and I would perform. I just remembered looking at Kyle like... I can't believe this is happening right now. I have such a great respect for the creative team that put this piece together. It was almost surreal having the writer and lyricist talk so passionately about these words that I get to say on stage each night. I will never ever forget that evening at Borders and how lucky I was to be a part of it all.
Marques Walls
I'm gonna have to say that my favorite memory from tour thus far would have to be biking over the Golden Gate bridge with Freddy, Alon, and Matt in San Fran.
My least favorite moment, as beautiful as it was, would have to be saying goodbye to Perry and watching him leave the room for the last time as a Spring Awakening company member. That was by far one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
Ben Moss
My favorite memory from the first year on tour would definitely be our opening night in San Francisco... feeling on top of the world and having a blast. My least favorite? I don't have one!
Opening Night:
Steffi D
Favorite Memory: How could I possibly only pick one?! Going to Alcatraz, meeting Justin Timberlake after the show in L.A, hearing Kyle's pee booming through the speakers right before my scene one night in San Francisco, our official opening night, waking up at 5 am to do press with Blake, getting collector spoons from every city we've been to, taking a pole dancing class with the gals of S.A, being in Toronto for a month, our very own Sadie Hawkins dance (with date, Blake Bashoff), wearing a tutu on my 20th birthday (in public), the City Museum in St-Louis, preparing medleys for cabarets, having my first American Thanksgiving... BEING IN SPRING AWAKENING. My dream came true.
Least Favorite: Crying my eyes out when we've had to say goodbye to company members.
Thank you for an amazing year.
Steffi
On Alcatraz:
Meeting Justin Timberlake:
City Museum:
Julie Benko
My least favorite memory is easy. When we were in LA, I flew out to New York for a big, exciting audition after the show on Wednesday night and took a personal day for Thursday. The flight there was uneventful. I got in, got ready for my audition, did the audition (which went well but obviously not well enough to be cast), saw my family for dinner, and went back to JFK to board my red-eye flight home. My boarding pass' lack of a seat of assignment should have tipped me off right away, but I stupidly waited at the gate while the meanest lady in the world refused to let me on the flight without explanation. Then, without warning, she told about fifteen of us that the flight was sealed and there were no more flights leaving that evening. Considering I had to be at the Ahmanson at noon to do a put in rehearsal as Ilse, I burst into hysterics. The meanest lady in the world did not care. After hours of ignoring me, she placed me on a 7 AM flight the next morning, and put me up at the dingiest Ramada Inn in Queens anyone could find. I was up until about three in the morning freaking out, slept about four hours, got on the plane (which was then delayed on the runway for an hour), got into the airport, and took a cab straight to the theater, where I then did Ilse in rehearsal for a few hours. I got dinner, did the show (so exhausted that at one point I thought Christy became transparent), went back to my hotel room, and collapsed. Moral of the story? Don't fly Delta. Ever.
My favorite memory is much more difficult, since there are so many to choose from. The one my family wants me to choose is going on for Wendla, and while that was indeed one of the most exhilarating moments of my life thus far, I have to say Christmas dinner at the Alabado house in Arizona was my favorite. Krystina's mother had the entire cast and band over to her house and cooked SUCH a delicious meal (the potato casserole was the star) and then we all exchanged presents by the tree! For a little Jew-girl like me, it was quite the magical Christmas experience, and I'll never forget sharing that with my Spring Awakening family.
I miss the tour already, everyone! Thanks for such an amazing year!
A Very Merry Tempe Xmas:
Krystina Alabado
Wow, it it truly impossible for me to pick just one because there are so many amazing memories from this first year. One of my favorites would definitely be when I got to go on for Ilse those six times earlier in the summer. It was such an incredible experience, and I am so thankful that I was fortunate enough to get that opportunity. Also, at Christmas time, we were in Tempe, Arizona my home town and I had the entire cast over to my house where my parents made us a home cooked Christmas meal, and we had a secret santa. And last but not least, our infamous Sadie Hawkins Dance. All the girls had to ask a date, and dress up as hideously as possible. We rented out a room at our hotel and danced the night away. It included food, awards for best (worst) costume (me and Lucas won!), couple pictures and lots and lots of dancing. That was quite a night!
Sadie Hawkins Announcement:
Krystina and Ben at the Dance:
Perry and Claire at the Dance:
Andy Mientus
[from Andy's Profile of the Month]
There have been so many incredible, hilarious, moving, and surprising moments on tour so far. A short list would include:
-Doing the show on Election Night and finding out the results right before Touch Me
-Kate Fugeli (our original Adult Women u/s) throwing us a party in LA with In and Out and Superbad
-Bowing a record 4th curtain call at our official opening in San Fran
-The rowdy student show at 10am in LA
-Our last rehearsal in New York, doing the whole show on the O'Neill stage for the Broadway cast, old and new
-Sending Kate off the same night that the Broadway production closed
[updated: Andy just submitted this]:
I look back really fondly on the times that we were able to get out of whatever city and explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area. I'm really into nature and being outside, so those days were always the ones that reminded me of how incredible our journey is. Places like the Muir Woods near San Francisco, La Jolla near San Diego, Multnoma Falls near Portland, and Cape Cod near Boston were all unforgettable experiences.
Perry Sherman
[Blogmaster note: Didn't really answer the question...but took this opportunity to say goodbye to all the fans]:
Hey guys,
Thank you all so much for your dedication. Being in Spring Awakening has
been quite the journey and you guys have made it worth while. I hope to
see you all again in the future, maybe in another tour, who knows.. Follow
your dreams, cause i am living proof that they can come true. Be well and
enjoy the rest of your summer.
~perry
Our End of Year Cruise:
Christy Altomare
I have had so many incredible memories of this tour, but I guess if I had to pick one.. It would be performing at the Borders in LA with Kyle and Steven Sater. Steven talked so much about how the play was created and his inspirations for the few songs Kyle and I would perform. I just remembered looking at Kyle like... I can't believe this is happening right now. I have such a great respect for the creative team that put this piece together. It was almost surreal having the writer and lyricist talk so passionately about these words that I get to say on stage each night. I will never ever forget that evening at Borders and how lucky I was to be a part of it all.
Marques Walls
I'm gonna have to say that my favorite memory from tour thus far would have to be biking over the Golden Gate bridge with Freddy, Alon, and Matt in San Fran.
My least favorite moment, as beautiful as it was, would have to be saying goodbye to Perry and watching him leave the room for the last time as a Spring Awakening company member. That was by far one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
Ben Moss
My favorite memory from the first year on tour would definitely be our opening night in San Francisco... feeling on top of the world and having a blast. My least favorite? I don't have one!
Opening Night:
Steffi D
Favorite Memory: How could I possibly only pick one?! Going to Alcatraz, meeting Justin Timberlake after the show in L.A, hearing Kyle's pee booming through the speakers right before my scene one night in San Francisco, our official opening night, waking up at 5 am to do press with Blake, getting collector spoons from every city we've been to, taking a pole dancing class with the gals of S.A, being in Toronto for a month, our very own Sadie Hawkins dance (with date, Blake Bashoff), wearing a tutu on my 20th birthday (in public), the City Museum in St-Louis, preparing medleys for cabarets, having my first American Thanksgiving... BEING IN SPRING AWAKENING. My dream came true.
Least Favorite: Crying my eyes out when we've had to say goodbye to company members.
Thank you for an amazing year.
Steffi
On Alcatraz:
Meeting Justin Timberlake:
City Museum:
Julie Benko
My least favorite memory is easy. When we were in LA, I flew out to New York for a big, exciting audition after the show on Wednesday night and took a personal day for Thursday. The flight there was uneventful. I got in, got ready for my audition, did the audition (which went well but obviously not well enough to be cast), saw my family for dinner, and went back to JFK to board my red-eye flight home. My boarding pass' lack of a seat of assignment should have tipped me off right away, but I stupidly waited at the gate while the meanest lady in the world refused to let me on the flight without explanation. Then, without warning, she told about fifteen of us that the flight was sealed and there were no more flights leaving that evening. Considering I had to be at the Ahmanson at noon to do a put in rehearsal as Ilse, I burst into hysterics. The meanest lady in the world did not care. After hours of ignoring me, she placed me on a 7 AM flight the next morning, and put me up at the dingiest Ramada Inn in Queens anyone could find. I was up until about three in the morning freaking out, slept about four hours, got on the plane (which was then delayed on the runway for an hour), got into the airport, and took a cab straight to the theater, where I then did Ilse in rehearsal for a few hours. I got dinner, did the show (so exhausted that at one point I thought Christy became transparent), went back to my hotel room, and collapsed. Moral of the story? Don't fly Delta. Ever.
My favorite memory is much more difficult, since there are so many to choose from. The one my family wants me to choose is going on for Wendla, and while that was indeed one of the most exhilarating moments of my life thus far, I have to say Christmas dinner at the Alabado house in Arizona was my favorite. Krystina's mother had the entire cast and band over to her house and cooked SUCH a delicious meal (the potato casserole was the star) and then we all exchanged presents by the tree! For a little Jew-girl like me, it was quite the magical Christmas experience, and I'll never forget sharing that with my Spring Awakening family.
I miss the tour already, everyone! Thanks for such an amazing year!
A Very Merry Tempe Xmas:
Krystina Alabado
Wow, it it truly impossible for me to pick just one because there are so many amazing memories from this first year. One of my favorites would definitely be when I got to go on for Ilse those six times earlier in the summer. It was such an incredible experience, and I am so thankful that I was fortunate enough to get that opportunity. Also, at Christmas time, we were in Tempe, Arizona my home town and I had the entire cast over to my house where my parents made us a home cooked Christmas meal, and we had a secret santa. And last but not least, our infamous Sadie Hawkins Dance. All the girls had to ask a date, and dress up as hideously as possible. We rented out a room at our hotel and danced the night away. It included food, awards for best (worst) costume (me and Lucas won!), couple pictures and lots and lots of dancing. That was quite a night!
Sadie Hawkins Announcement:
Krystina and Ben at the Dance:
Perry and Claire at the Dance:
Andy Mientus
[from Andy's Profile of the Month]
There have been so many incredible, hilarious, moving, and surprising moments on tour so far. A short list would include:
-Doing the show on Election Night and finding out the results right before Touch Me
-Kate Fugeli (our original Adult Women u/s) throwing us a party in LA with In and Out and Superbad
-Bowing a record 4th curtain call at our official opening in San Fran
-The rowdy student show at 10am in LA
-Our last rehearsal in New York, doing the whole show on the O'Neill stage for the Broadway cast, old and new
-Sending Kate off the same night that the Broadway production closed
[updated: Andy just submitted this]:
I look back really fondly on the times that we were able to get out of whatever city and explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area. I'm really into nature and being outside, so those days were always the ones that reminded me of how incredible our journey is. Places like the Muir Woods near San Francisco, La Jolla near San Diego, Multnoma Falls near Portland, and Cape Cod near Boston were all unforgettable experiences.
Perry Sherman
[Blogmaster note: Didn't really answer the question...but took this opportunity to say goodbye to all the fans]:
Hey guys,
Thank you all so much for your dedication. Being in Spring Awakening has
been quite the journey and you guys have made it worth while. I hope to
see you all again in the future, maybe in another tour, who knows.. Follow
your dreams, cause i am living proof that they can come true. Be well and
enjoy the rest of your summer.
~perry
Our End of Year Cruise:
9/23/09
Video: Spring Awakening sings anthem at White Sox Game
Spring Awakening Tour Video: White-Sox National Anthem
The SA cast got a chance to sing the White Sox National Anthem while stopping in Chicago. Get some behind the scenes look at their warm-up backstage and the on the field glory. By the way, did we say this was also "Senior Stroll The Bases" day? Yeah, you'll also see a 98 year old throw out the first pitch...awesome. Play ball!
Video
The SA cast got a chance to sing the White Sox National Anthem while stopping in Chicago. Get some behind the scenes look at their warm-up backstage and the on the field glory. By the way, did we say this was also "Senior Stroll The Bases" day? Yeah, you'll also see a 98 year old throw out the first pitch...awesome. Play ball!
Video
Jake Epstein Music Video "Rescue You" Montage
One of the TV events of this summer was The N Channel's feature "Degrassi Goes Hollywood." If you havn't seen it yet, you can watch the entire thing online here: http://www.the-n.com/theclick/?categoryId=5006&titleId=23822
Our very own Jake Epstein has a featured role, and he's awesome in it! Here is a Degrassi compilation video featuring the single "Rescue You" from the movie, sung by Jake.
Jake's turn in Spring Awakening was also featured in an article in Rolling Stone Magazine "Degrasssi Shapes Pop Culture" Check it out: http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/08/14/from-degrassi-to-drake-canadas-hit-tv-show-shapes-pop-culture/
Our very own Jake Epstein has a featured role, and he's awesome in it! Here is a Degrassi compilation video featuring the single "Rescue You" from the movie, sung by Jake.
Jake's turn in Spring Awakening was also featured in an article in Rolling Stone Magazine "Degrasssi Shapes Pop Culture" Check it out: http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/08/14/from-degrassi-to-drake-canadas-hit-tv-show-shapes-pop-culture/
Looking for Guilty Ones in Denver, Hershey, Cincinnati
Hi Guys,
We're looking for people to join our Guilty Ones street teams in Denver, CO; Hershey, PA; and Cincinnati, OH.
If you live in or close enough to one of these cities and would like to help us promote the show, please send your name, age, and email address to: nationalguiltyones (at) gmail (dot) com. **Put the tour city closest to you in the subject heading.
You will get exclusive access to on-stage seats as well as other perks, all while hanging out with fellow Guilty Ones and gaining terrific marketing experience. You are integral to the show's success in your city. If you know anyone in these three cities, please forward! Thank you so much!
We're looking for people to join our Guilty Ones street teams in Denver, CO; Hershey, PA; and Cincinnati, OH.
If you live in or close enough to one of these cities and would like to help us promote the show, please send your name, age, and email address to: nationalguiltyones (at) gmail (dot) com. **Put the tour city closest to you in the subject heading.
You will get exclusive access to on-stage seats as well as other perks, all while hanging out with fellow Guilty Ones and gaining terrific marketing experience. You are integral to the show's success in your city. If you know anyone in these three cities, please forward! Thank you so much!
9/16/09
Totally Ducked!
Spring Awakening Tour: Totally Ducked!
Sometimes older means the wiser (obviously NOT the case with the Adults in Spring) but if you're a handful of young ducklings in distress, following the ways of one's parents might be the best way to get back home. Check out this "Totally Ducked" moment our cast caught while in DC at the Kennedy Center. A truly adorable moment not to be missed!
VIDEO
Word got out about these ducks and "ducks" became the theme in DC! Here are cute pics of the cast with rubber duckies provided by our amazing fans. One even asked them to sign her duck! LOL
Anthony:
Andy:
Krystina:
Christy:
More pictures at our Flickr group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/springawakeninggallery/ (you must be logged into Flickr to see the cast duck pictures as they were taken by a member of the group and not us).
Sometimes older means the wiser (obviously NOT the case with the Adults in Spring) but if you're a handful of young ducklings in distress, following the ways of one's parents might be the best way to get back home. Check out this "Totally Ducked" moment our cast caught while in DC at the Kennedy Center. A truly adorable moment not to be missed!
VIDEO
Word got out about these ducks and "ducks" became the theme in DC! Here are cute pics of the cast with rubber duckies provided by our amazing fans. One even asked them to sign her duck! LOL
Anthony:
Andy:
Krystina:
Christy:
More pictures at our Flickr group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/springawakeninggallery/ (you must be logged into Flickr to see the cast duck pictures as they were taken by a member of the group and not us).
On-stage seats Milwaukee on sale Tue 22nd
On-stage seats for our engagement at the Marcus Center (October 6th-11th, 2009) will go on sale to the general public at 11:30 am next Tuesday, September 22nd.
At this time, $25 stage seats will only be available in person at the box office located at 929 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Hours are M-F 11:30 am-9 pm and Sat/Sun from noon to 9 pm. Phone number: 414-273-7206
For those who do not know, stage seats are obstructed view seats--you will mostly see actor's backs--but it provides an intimate immediacy and puts you in the middle of the action. It is not recommended for those seeing the show for the first time. If you are sitting on stage you must follow a list of policies and procedures which will be given to you at the box office at the time of your purchase.
We know that many of you are planning to travel to see the show. We are trying our best to make stage seats available online. Unfortunately, at the moment, that is not possible. We will let you know if things change.
At this time, $25 stage seats will only be available in person at the box office located at 929 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Hours are M-F 11:30 am-9 pm and Sat/Sun from noon to 9 pm. Phone number: 414-273-7206
For those who do not know, stage seats are obstructed view seats--you will mostly see actor's backs--but it provides an intimate immediacy and puts you in the middle of the action. It is not recommended for those seeing the show for the first time. If you are sitting on stage you must follow a list of policies and procedures which will be given to you at the box office at the time of your purchase.
We know that many of you are planning to travel to see the show. We are trying our best to make stage seats available online. Unfortunately, at the moment, that is not possible. We will let you know if things change.
9/9/09
Spring Awakening Tour: My First Time...Jitters
It's time to meet some of our SA newbies as we profile two of our first timers: Ben Fankhauser and Kayla Foster. Veteran Steffi D inquires about their most anticipated moments as Ben goes on for Ernst and Swing Kayla Foster hits the stage in her uber cool Swing costume with mic holster and all.
Video 1 - Ben Fankhauser
Video 2 - Kayla Foster
Video 1 - Ben Fankhauser
Video 2 - Kayla Foster
9/2/09
Videos: Apple Store Performances, Chicago
A Little Bit of Apple with Jake Epstein
Many of you have asked for videos with our new Melchior, Degrassi's Jake Epstein, and we are happy to provide you with not one, but two videos of his take on some classic SA tunes (plus, of course, Mama Reprise by our fab female cast).
A couple weeks before the break, SA continued our nationwide relationship with the Apple Store, this time hitting up the store on North Michigan Avenue in
Chicago, performing and talking about how the show utilizes Macs to run and market the show. Thanks to everyone who came out for this intimate concert!
Video 1 - Bitch of Living
Video 2 - Touch Me
Video 3 - Mama Reprise
Many of you have asked for videos with our new Melchior, Degrassi's Jake Epstein, and we are happy to provide you with not one, but two videos of his take on some classic SA tunes (plus, of course, Mama Reprise by our fab female cast).
A couple weeks before the break, SA continued our nationwide relationship with the Apple Store, this time hitting up the store on North Michigan Avenue in
Chicago, performing and talking about how the show utilizes Macs to run and market the show. Thanks to everyone who came out for this intimate concert!
Video 1 - Bitch of Living
Video 2 - Touch Me
Video 3 - Mama Reprise