Kelley Jakle, who will make her feature film debut with the upcoming movie "Pitch Perfect" and has been seen on NBC's "The Sing-Off," will lend her voice to the character of Wendla. Featured vocalists will also include Nathan Parrett ("The Voice"), Payson Lewis ("The Sing-Off"), independent recording artists Olivia Noelle and Anthony Starble, Caitlin Ary, Jonah Platt, Topher Rhys, Jamie Lee Barnard, Jilli Marine and Michael Christopher Luebke.
Rouding out the cast are Eric Schackne and members of the L.A.-based bands Young Harry Trumans and Back Pocket Memory; Paul T. Brindley and Alissa-Nicole Koblentz will play the adult authority figures.
Directed by Kate Sullivan Gibbens with musical direction by Michael Christopher Luebke, Spring Awakening: In Concert, according to press notes, "focuses sharply on music and its story, recalling the energy of an East Village music bar as opposed to a traditional 'uptown' venue. Audiences will be left with art in its purist, most unadulterated form: the music, the dialogue and the message." Producers Topher Rhys, Jamie Lee Barnard and Nathan Gardner of glory|struck have joined with Love is Louder (founded by The Jed Foundation, MTV and "Hairspray" actress Brittany Snow) on Spring Awakening, noting "the music, just like the Love is Louder campaign, speaks volumes about young people and artists alike. And, through that connection we are able to sustain our community: a community of creativity, a community of collaboration, and a community of activism."
Prior to the Los Angeles concerts, members of the company will be featured in an acoustic musical event, Turn the Stereo On, which will feature highlights from the show and take place June 2 at 10 PM at M Bar in Hollywood.
The Hayworth Theatre is located at 2511 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles, CA. For more information and tickets, visit SpringAwakeninginConcert.com.
