Entitled Spring's Awakening and directed by Evan Drane, the dramatic play features Luke Bailey as Melchior, Nick McDow as Moritz, Eleanor Van Hest as Wendla, Jen Bailey as Ilse, Matthew Schueller as Ernst, Olivia Choate as Frau Gabor, Morgan Early as Frau Bergmann, David Hassett as Hans, Danika Sudik as Thea and Catherine Talton as Martha. Kyle Cadman and Issac Wade are also featured in the company.

Wedekind's source text (Frühlings Erwachen) - which premiered in 1891 - was the German dramatist's first play and served as the basis for the recent Tony Award-winning musical by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater.

According to production notes, this fresh translation "utilizes subtle but present contemporary dialogue, resulting in a clear enunciation of Wedekind's themes for modern audiences and aptly capturing his delicate mix of comedy and tragedy."

The Powerhouse Theatre is located at 3116 2nd Street in south Santa Monica, just off Main Street between Rose and Marine. Tickets, priced $20, are available by calling (310) 396-3680, ext. 3 or by visiting www.latensemble.org.

Here is a first look at the production, which will play the Southern California venue through July 26:

Eleanor Van Hest as Wendla and Luke Bailey as Melchior

Eleanor Van Hest as Wendla and Luke Bailey as Melchior

Matthew Schueller as Ernst and David Hassett as Hans

Nick McDow as Moritz, Kyle Cadman as the Man in the Mask, and Luke Bailey (background) as Melchior

Nick McDow as Moritz and Eleanor Van Hest as Wendla