Jonathan Groff is in the midst of technical rehearsals for the much-anticipated Broadway transfer of Hamilton, but over last weekend's Fourth of July Holiday, Groff got some time off and travelled upstate to Ithaca, NY, to check out an exciting new production of the show that put him on the map nearly ten years ago. The Hangar Theatre's production of Spring Awakening, by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, began performances June 25.
As for what the experience of watching the show was like, Groff said he "wept from start to finish."
"I have known [director] Jen Waldman for years and studied with her when I first moved to New York, so it was truly a thrill to see her gorgeous production of Spring Awakening at The Hangar. It was so beautifully done and the cast is extraordinary."
Groff even stayed after the performance to meet and chat with the excited young cast of the show, joining them for drinks at a local restaurant following Saturday evening's performance.
You can take a look at the Hangar Theatre's production of Spring Awakening and Jonathan Groff's after-party with the cast in this exclusive photo gallery.
Watch and listen to the cast perform "And Then There Were None" and "The Song of Purple Summer" in this promo reel from the production.
Presented by the Hangar Theatre, the production features direction and choreography by Jen Waldman with musical direction by Rich Silverstein. The creative team includes Steve TenEyck (scenic and lighting design), Meggan Camp (costume design) and Jonathan R. Herter (sound design). Kerri J. Lynch is stage manager.
The cast is led by Robert Ariza as Melchior, Kelsey Lake as Wendla and Johnny Shea as Moritz. They are joined by Sarah Dacey Charles, Shea Renne, Dane Cruz, Jordan Dunn-Pilz, Aidan Kahl Elsesser, Annabelle Fox, Caroline Gorland, Hanako Greensmith, Dominique Allen Lawson and Matthew Milewski.
The production continues through July 11. For tickets and more information, visit HangarTheatre.org.
