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Arts & Entertainment

Marin Summer Theater Presents Spring Awakening

Novato, Calif. – June 25, 2012.  Marin Summer Theater (MST) opens its most ambitious season yet with the award winning musical Spring Awakening on July 5, 6, 7, & 8 at The Playhouse in San Anselmo with stage direction by Patrick Nims, musical direction by Broadway composer and lyricist, Drew Gasparini and choreography by Valerie Oga.   Spring Awakening is a rock musical with music by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater. Adapted from Frank Wedekind's 1891 expressionist play, Spring Awakening celebrates the journey from youth to adulthood. Spring Awakening won 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 2007  and was hailed as the "Best Musical of the Year" by the New York Times and many others.   Joining MST for his first season and playing Melchior, the leading man in Spring Awakening, is Curtis Thomas. Thomas, who was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana studied with Alonzo King LINES Ballet BFA program at Dominican University for two years and is now headed to Boston Conservatory.   Thomas, who grew up in a musical household, started dancing at age 6 and got his formal start in music by learning how to play the piano when he was 11 years old. “I wasn't a big fan of practicing as much as I should have, but with some help from my mom, I stuck through it and still continue to play now, I began singing in my high school's concert choir and was hooked from day one. The music education I received has been I influential in my artistic training, especially in musicals where words, movement, and song are weaved together to create a final product that has the ability to blow people away."   A hurricane Katrina survivor, Thomas found a way to channel his art and fuel his passion for performing in the midst of death and destruction. “In the reality of seeing my home underwater, it was important for me to remember there is still a chance for rebirth and renewal. I work hard to make New Orleans proud;  to show people are coming back strong, filled with hope, strength, and a whole lot of love. I am excited and honored to be a part of Marin Summer Theater working with other individuals who share my passion for performing. I fell in love with Spring Awakening  from the time I saw it, and it is a privilege to perform such a powerful, pertinent work."   Thomas says “Melchior is a headstrong tenacious teenager who challenges everything he is taught. After seeing Wendla, a childhood friend, an old relationship begins to develop in a new way and she pushes him in ways he never thought possible."   Parents be advised - Spring Awakening contains adult situations and language.  It is not recommended for children.  “Spring Awakening is about young people dealing with grown-up issues,” said Patrick Nims, MST’s Artistic Director. “Teens in transition from youth to adulthood face pressures that are the same today as they were in 1891.  This show speaks with the voice of youth about love, frustration and the challenges that they face as they awake from childhood and grow into sexually mature adults.”   After Spring Awakening, MST will present the delightfully romantic comedy The Importance of Being Earnest on July 12, 13, 15, 15 on the campus of San Marin High School in Novato and the family friendly and popular favorite Legally Blonde, The Musical on July 26, 27, 28, 29, also at San Marin High School.  Tickets and details for all performances are available at www.MarinSummerTheater.org.     MST is a non-profit theater company composed of student actors, singers, dancers, musicians, directors, designers, technicians, and crew.   2012 will be MST’s fourth season.   For more information visit marinsummertheater.org    

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