Spring Awakening's Courtney Markowitz

Spring Awakening's cast interview features Courtney Markowitz. Find out what Courtney's favorite stop of the tour is so far and what she plans for the future! Click on the link to check out the video!

Spring Awakening on Tour's Sound Check with the Ultimate Guilty Ones!

Check this out!!! Last night, the winners of the “Are You The Ultimate Guilty One?” video contest rocked out onstage with the cast of Spring Awakening on Tour at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre!!! WARNING: This video contains strong language.

Blah, Blah, Blah Wednesday Videos

Hey, Spring Awakening fans: Happy Blah, Blah, Blah Wednesday! Here are a couple videos featuring tour cast members Elizabeth Judd (Wendla) and Daniel Plimpton (Ernst). Enjoy!

Congratulations to the Ultimate Guilty Ones!

Congratulations to the winners of Spring Awakening on Tour's "Are You The Ultimate Guilty One?" video contest! Here are the winning entries, listed alphabetically by first name!

Anthony G's entry:


Katrina H's entry:


Margret M's entry:


T.J. C's entry:


These four ultimate guilty ones will enjoy an extra-special opening night celebration of Spring Awakening in Chicago on Tuesday, May 3, 2011! Their prize consists of:

• Two (2) onstage seats at Chicago’s opening night performance
• A poster signed by the 2010-2011 touring cast of Spring Awakening
• An invitation for the winner and his/her guest to attend the sound check before the performance and “rock out” on stage with the cast singing “Totally F***ed” at the end of sound check
• An invitation for the winner and his/her guest to attend a meet and greet with the cast before sound check begins

Thanks to all who participated in this contest.  Check out even more Ultimate Guilty Ones entries in this playlist on YouTube!

Here's Emily! Check out this week's blog with Spring Awakening's Emily Mest

Emily Mest "Thea" in NETworks Presentations' 2010-2011 national tour of SPRING AWAKENING, shares some fun facts! Visit http://www.springawakening.com for tickets and more information.

Spring Awakening's Erin Burniston

Spring Awakening's latest cast interview features Erin Burniston "Chair of Rock". Click on the link to check out the video!

Spring Awakening's George E. Salazar (Otto)

Spring Awakening's latest cast interview features George E. Salazar (Otto) with a special guest appearance by Billy Lewis (Chair of Rock). Click on the link to check out the video!



Video footage courtesy of Rachel Geisler. For more information about Spring Awakening, visit www.springawakening.com.

Spring Awakening's Jamie Rea Billings

Check out this video featuring Spring Awakening's Jamie Rea Billings to find out what her favorite tour stops were and what her favorite cable network is and why!



Video footage courtesy of Rachel Geisler. For more information about Spring Awakening, visit www.springawakening.com.

Spring Awakening's George E. Salazar (Otto)

Spring Awakening on Tour's George E. Salazar, who plays the role of Otto, gives a shout-out to the University of Florida and invites fans to see the show in Gainesville, Florida, at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Check out George's video!



For more information about Spring Awakening, visit www.springawakening.com.

“Are You The Ultimate Guilty One?” Video Contest

Coby Getzug, Christopher Wood and Elizabeth Judd
Photo by: Andy Snow

This is the season for dreaming…
The national tour of Spring Awakening is now playing its FINAL WEEKS of performances throughout the U.S. and Canada. The producers of Spring Awakening and Broadway in Chicago are offering YOU the opportunity to win the ultimate fan experience at Spring Awakening on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 – the opening night of the tour at Ford Center/Oriental Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.

Four (4) of Spring Awakening’s biggest fans will win:

• Two (2) onstage seats at Chicago’s opening night performance on Tuesday, May 3, 2011
• A poster signed by the 2010-2011 touring cast of Spring Awakening
• An invitation for the winner and his/her guest to attend the sound check before the performance and “rock out” on stage with the cast singing “Totally F***ed” at the end of sound check
• An invitation for the winner and his/her guest to attend a meet and greet with the cast before sound check begins

How to Enter:

• Create a one-minute video showing us how you’re the biggest fan of Spring Awakening and why you deserve to be one of the Ultimate Guilty Ones. Get creative and be original!
• Upload your video to www.YouTube.com and submit the URL to ultimateguiltyone@networksontour.com by the deadline of 11:59 PM Eastern on Sunday, April 10, 2011.
• Be sure to name your YouTube video: Ultimate Guilty One Video Entry
• Remember – your video must be one minute or less – no exceptions allowed!
• In the body of your e-mail, please include your first and last name, age, current city and state of residence, e-mail address, and phone number.

The winning video entries will be posted on Spring Awakening’s Still Totally Truckin’ Blog, and all qualified video entries will be featured in a playlist on NETworks on Tour’s official YouTube Channel. Winners are solely responsible for transportation and lodging.

Click here to read the official rules and regulations.

Spring Awakening's Jeff Ostermueller (Chair of Rock)

Jeff Ostermueller who plays a Chair of Rock in the 2010-2011 national tour of Spring Awakening is our latest featured actor! Check out this video of Jeff discussing his favorite tour stop, a fun fact about himself, and which female character in the show he relates to the most and why!



Video footage courtesy of Rachel Geisler. For more information about Spring Awakening, visit www.springawakening.com.

Spring Awakening's Jim Hogan (Georg)

Jim Hogan, who plays the role of Georg in the national tour of Spring Awakening shares some fun facts about himself, including a great piece of travel advice! Watch the video by clicking the player below!



For more information about Spring Awakening, visit www.springawakening.com.

Spring Awakening's Mark Poppleton

Actor Mark Poppleton, who plays all the adult male roles in the national tour of Spring Awakening sat down to answer some questions asked by fellow cast member Rachel Geisler! Click on the video to watch!



For more information about Spring Awakening, visit www.springawakening.com.

Jim Hogan Interview - VIDEO

Spring Awakening's Jim Hogan, who plays the role of Georg, is interviewed in this video! Check it out by clicking below!



For more information about Spring Awakening, visit www.springawakening.com.

Spring Awakening's Michael Linden

Actor Michael Linden, who plays a "Chair of Rock" in the national tour of Spring Awakening shares fun facts about himself in this video below!



Video interview provided by cast member Rachel Geisler.

For more information about Spring Awakening, visit www.springawakening.com.

Spring Awakening's Elizabeth Judd (Wendla)

Check out this candid moment with Spring Awakening's Elizabeth Judd, who play Wendla on the national tour!

For tickets and more information, visit www.springawakening.com

Here's Spring Awakening on Tour's Sarah Kleeman!

This week we interview Spring Awakening on Tour's Sarah Kleeman. Found out what her favorite stop on the tour was so far and why. Sarah shares some fun facts about herself and being on the road! Click on the link to check out Sarah's video!

Meet Spring Awakening's Travis Stroessenreuther

This week, meet Spring Awakening on Tour's Travis Stroessenreuther, who shares some fun facts about himself and the cast! Click on the link to check out Travis's video!

I've got a barn, let's put on a cabaret!

Cast of the national tour of Spring Awakening.  Photo by Andy Snow

What: A night of cabaret from the cast of the National Tour of Spring Awakening

When: Wednesday, February 9th at 11:30 PM

Where: MBar.  1253 Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA  www.mbaronline.com  

How Much: $15 cover charge at the door; PLUS a $10 minimum food/drink inside the club.  *NOTE* All of the cover charge will be donated to The Trevor Project www.thetrevorproject.org, a teen suicide hotline charity. 

Reservations are STRONGLY recommended by calling: 323-856-0036

More Info: Join the cast of Spring Awakening for an intimate, casual evening of amazing music.  All of your favorite actors from the current national tour singing a variety of pop, rock and musical theatre numbers.  Located at the beautiful MBar just blocks from the Pantages Theatre.  All proceeds go to the Trevor Project. 

Coby Getzug - Q&A

Role: Moritz

What is your favorite song/scene/moment in Spring Awakening?

I look forward to "None" every night. It comes right after my confrontation scene with my father, which leaves me completely broken and literally in a pile on the floor, so to have the opportunity to immediately channel up all that pent up anger, guilt, whatever, into this punk rock euphoria is truly amazing. Especially towards the end of the song when all of the other guys are singing around me and I decide to rip up the letter, my body starts to shake and I get to just fly. It really is an indescribable feeling for me.

What inspires you to play the role?

I love that Moritz is so far from perfect. He's a character that so many can relate to, in that most people who come to see the show have at some point experienced similar feelings or been in similar (if not as drastic) situations. Such a big part of our rehearsal process was relating what our characters are going through to experiences that we as modern teenagers have gone through, so to have people who come to see the show thank me for being so honest with my character is so incredibly humbling. Even if only one person who comes to the show sees, through my character's mistakes, that there is always hope and a "light at the end of the tunnel", then I'm more than satisfied.

What is it like playing in a new venue almost every night?

Amazing. Every theatre and every audience has its own unique energy, and our show totally feeds off of that excitement. Since we travel so much, we don't have time to stop and realize how exhausted we may be. We just get on that new stage in that new city, and go. It sounds stressful, but I guarantee that the cast is having just as much fun as the audience is. Except for when the theatre is haunted.

Do you have a great Guilty Ones moment/story you can share?

I knew that the show had a huge fan base, but I guess I never really expected to personally have any sort of fan following, so when I got my first fan gift in Dayton (a Moritz license plate cover), it was sort of a weird combination of excitement and "Are you sure you this is for me?". The girl who gave it to me was so so sweet, and after meeting many more Guilty Ones on the road, I have to say that they are some of the coolest and nicest people I have ever met.

Do you have a great Chair of Rock/Stage Seating experience you can share?

I love the moments when I get to sit onstage, although I feel like everyone sitting around me should be given protective padding before the show. I tend to be a little clumsy on stage, and I've developed this bad habit of bumping my chair into the person sitting in front of me when I am rushing in for the classroom scene. I apologize to anyone who has sat in that seat, and apologize in advance to anyone who does in the future :)!

What is the weirdest/coolest thing that happened to you or another cast member on stage/at the stage door?

The two microphones that are used in "Don't Do Sadness/Blue Wind" have these really long cords that are expertly coiled at the beginning of the show by Kate, our amazing sound tech. I always manage to get the stage left mic all the way to where it needs to be, but for some reason, a few times I've managed to get the stage right cord tied in such a big knot that I'm not able to get the mic all the way downstage. So I'll be walking with the mic, and then suddenly get jerked backwards and smack into the mic stand. It's really embarrassing, and makes for some interesting staging.

Have you been able to watch the show when an understudy was on? What did you think? What was it like?

I haven't been out yet so I haven't had a chance to watch the show, but I can say that being in the show when an understudy is in is always so exciting. We're so close as a cast, so when one of the understudies goes on, we're all so proud and eager for them to get a chance to strut their stuff. To be able to cover as many roles as they do as well as they do is truly incredible - they are truly some of the most talented people out there.

What was it like when you performed in front of Steven Sater/Michael Mayer during the rehearsals?

I respect both Mr. Sater and Mr. Mayer so much, so to be able to perform their "brain child" for them was a dream come true. They have both put so much of their hearts into the show, so for them to entrust our cast with carrying on the legacy is such an honor. Not to mention how incredibly supportive and kind they were.

What musical theater role/character outside of the one you are playing now would you most like to play? Why?

I'd love to someday play Leo Frank in Parade. That score is so gorgeous, and I'm a huge JRB fan. Secretly, I'd also love to someday play the plant in Little Shop of Horror. Hands down, that plant has the best songs in that show. If you're reading this and you ever decide to cast a white, Jewish kid as the plant, call me!

Spring Awakening's Christopher Wood (Melchior)

Get to know your Spring Awakening on Tour cast! Check out this video shout out with Christopher Wood who plays the role of Melchior!




For tickets and more information, visit www.springawakening.com.

Paris Bradstreet: Q&A

Paris Bradstreet

Role: Adult Women Understudy

What is your favorite song/scene/moment in Spring Awakening?

“Totally F***ed” is one of my favorite numbers to watch. Everyone has such a strong point of view and is so physically committed every night.

What inspires you to play the role?

The challenge of creating 4 different characters using only my voice & body.

What is it like playing in a new venue almost every night?

My responsibilities include taking care of the onstage seating, so I get to meet with lots of box office folks, front of house staff, and ushers in each venue, and it’s always exciting talking to them about the show.

Do you have a great Guilty Ones moment/story you can share?

One venue didn't have assigned seats for the onstage seats, and when I arrived to put them in order, I had a very determined guilty one tell me that 'She had been there first' and she wanted 'the most downstage seat in the third row'... since we only have two rows of onstage seating, it was politically interesting convincing her that she would be seated where she had requested...

Do you have a great Chair of Rock/Stage Seating experience you can share?

Some of our Chairs of Rock like to pose as boyfriend & girlfriend as they join the rest of the group waiting to be seated onstage. Sometimes they're so convincing, I have other onstage patrons offering to give up their seats so that they can sit together...Since the Chairs of Rock have to sit in their assigned seats, this can be awkwardly funny.

What is the weirdest/coolest thing that happened to you or another cast member at the stage door?

When we were in Madison, WI, there was a large group of fans who greeted each person out the door after the show with a screaming cheer.

Have you been able to watch the show when an understudy was on? What did you think? What was it like?

I've had the opportunity to watch multiple understudies perform, and they all knew their stuff. It was great watching them get the opportunity to perform roles they had worked on and prepared for. It was also great to watch their scene partners accept what they were given and respond honestly and freshly to their shared moments.

What was it like when you performed in front of Steven Sater/Michael Mayer during the rehearsals?

It was wonderful to watch such a hardworking and talented cast get the opportunity to perform so successfully for the show's creators.

What musical theater role/character outside of the one you are playing now would you most like to play? Why?

Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. She's a delicious, rich character with wonderful material to perform.

Video Clips from Spring Awakening

Check out this video playlist from the 2010-2011 national tour of Spring Awakening! Clips include a montage, "Mama Who Bore Me (Reprise)," "The Bitch of Living," and "Touch Me."



Check out more videos on www.youtube.com/networksontour.

Spring Awakening's Rachel Geisler (Video)

Spring Awakening's Rachel Geisler, who has been providing video interviews featuring her fellow cast members, is now the one being interviewed in this video! Check it out by clicking below!



For more information about Spring Awakening, visit www.springawakening.com.

Q&A with Michael Linden

Role: Chair of Rock

What is your favorite song/scene/moment in Spring Awakening?

I NEVER get tired of watching the girls rock out during “Mama Who Bore Me Reprise.” There’s so much incredible energy. If the show were two hours of that song, I wouldn’t mind watching it over and over again.

What inspires you to play the role?

I love the fact that the chairs of rock are so connected to the audience because we are literally a part of it. I always get excited right before we stand for “Touch Me,” because I feel as though the “audience becoming part of the show” dynamic is something that no other show has.

What is it like playing in a new venue almost every night?

Fantastic! It keeps it fresh and we get to play in some beautiful venues. I do get lost backstage a lot, but it’s because of my lack of an internal compass.

Do you have a great Guilty Ones moment/story you can share?

The Guilty Ones constantly surprise me with their support, knowledge, and plethora of treats. When it came around to Halloween, we had more candy than we knew what to do with. Well…I knew what to do with it. Especially the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Do you have a great Chair of Rock/Stage Seating experience you can share?

I love going out before intermission ends and asking the people sitting next to me, “So….Did you figure me out before the show?” Oftentimes the answer is yes, because they’ve seen the show but when someone is experiencing the show for the first time, it’s amazing to be such a tangible part of their experience and scare them for a few minutes.

What is the weirdest/coolest thing that happened to you or another cast member on stage/at the stage door?

I was signing a girl’s poster in Minneapolis and she involuntarily yelled out “I follow you on Twitter!” Cool.--We’ve never met but you know what I do on a daily basis!

Have you been able to watch the show when an understudy was on? What did you think? What was it like?

The Chairs of Rock have SO much pride when we get to watch one of our brethren go on. I know that it’s the most nerve-wracking experience in the world, but the support that happens on that stage when someone is going on for a role is one of the most beautiful things I have ever been a part of.

What was it like when you performed in front of Steven Sater/Michael Mayer during the rehearsals?

They are amazing and so grateful that we could share in this beautiful story they have created. I also loved watching Michael Mayer rock out on the air drums during “Purple Summer.”

What musical theater role/character outside of the one you are playing now would you most like to play? Why?

I had the privilege to play Bat Boy in Bat Boy: The Musical in college, and I’m dying to do it again. Not only is it one of the most fun roles I’ve ever played, but I think there’s a really strong message in the show wrapped up with hysterical characters and circumstances. I’d also love to play Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys. I like to sing high!

Sara Kleeman (VIDEO)

Check out this new video featuring Sarah Kleeman(Adult Woman) from the tour! Sarah discusses her audition experience for Spring Awakening and what the show has meant to her!!



You can also click here for the video!!

Q&A with Emily Mest

Role: Thea

What is your favorite song/scene/moment in Spring Awakening?

“My Junk” is my favorite! It is so much fun to dance around and be able to sing and interact with the other cast members and the audience. “My Junk” is such a playful song we can really just be ourselves!

What inspires you to play the role?

How much this musical means to the audiences. Hearing people’s appreciation and stories after the show is what drives me to want to tell the story every night. The story is relevant and universal to any time period. This show brings up issues, starts a discussion, and needs to be seen by audiences everywhere.

What is it like playing in a new venue almost every night?

It exciting! No show is ever the same. It’s fun to see how certain audiences in certain states react to the show. I think having the audience onstage makes it so much more personal that we feel like we've really connected with every audience. And they love to dance and rock out with us too, which is fun!

Do you have a great Guilty Ones moment/story you can share?

The Guilty Ones are awesome! They are so supportive and bake us nice things! I love looking out into the audience and seeing the Guilty Ones rocking out and singing along with all of the words.

Do you have a great Chair of Rock/Stage Seating experience you can share?

Well, one time during the final scene in the graveyard, as soon as I sat down in my chair the guy next to me loudly said that the cast was great in my ear and stared, waiting for me to respond! So I just kept a straight face and was laughing to myself until I could whisper thank you at the end of the show. I saw him after the show and he said he understood why we couldn't talk to him onstage!

What is the weirdest/coolest thing that happened to you or another cast member at the stage door?

Well, at the stage door it's all about the boys! Everyone at the stage door only wants to know about which boy is single! HAH! So, sometimes we end up giving information about the boys more than ourselves at the stage door! My favorite thing that happened was that one time the stage door was so packed and crazy with people that when I came out of the door I almost immediately got lost in the crowd and was being pushed around by everyone and almost sunk to the floor. It was hilarious and scary because I don't think anyone saw me nearly collapsing to the floor!

Have you been able to watch the show when an understudy was on? What did you think? What was it like?

I was very sick in October and I sat out and got to see Erin in the show as Thea. She was wonderful!!!!!! It was so strange to see the show from a whole new perspective and as an audience member. I found myself really wanting to get up on stage with everyone and do the show! It reminded me of how I felt seeing the show before I was cast, so passionate and wanting to be in Spring Awakening more than anything.

What was it like when you performed in front of Steven Sater/Michael Mayer during the rehearsals?

It was amazing, but so nerve-wracking. I am such a huge fan of the show I couldn't dream of meeting them and performing for them. It was unreal having them there at rehearsals and it helped the process because we really felt the support for our tour from the original creative team. Also, hearing them react and laugh at parts of the show that they wrote was wonderful.

What musical theater role/character outside of the one you are playing now would you most like to play? Why?

Natalie in Next to Normal. But, in a straight play I really want to play Abigail in The Crucible.

Jeff Ostermueller: Q&A

Role:
CHAIR OF ROCK!!

What is your favorite song/scene/moment in Spring Awakening?

When the music returns after the acapella section of “The Song of Purple Summer.”

What inspires you to play the role?

I think the simple truths that the play tells so effortlessly is sufficient inspiration for anybody to play any role in this show.

What is it like playing in a new venue almost every night?

Exciting—there's a completely different vibe in every theater that's fun to play off of. It helps keep the show fresh as well because if you're really listening everything sounds/reacts differently every night.

Do you have a great Guilty Ones moment/story you can share?

Not one in particular, but my mother keeps me updated and she probably wishes she could respond to every post but has somehow controlled herself.

Do you have a great Chair of Rock/Stage Seating experience you can share?

I've had a bunch of people try to talk to me during the show...one guy didn't know I was a part of the cast and so after “Touch Me” when we're revealed he kept saying, "You got me good. You f-ing got me so good," while a scene was going on. We also have trouble entering through the theater sometimes because some venues give us fake tickets that don't work and we have to convince the ushers we know what we're doing, even though we've never been to that theater before, have no idea where we're going, and have no forms of identification on us. It gets interesting.

What is the weirdest/coolest thing that happened to you or another cast member on stage/at the stage door?

In Lexington, KY and Dayton, OH we kept getting all of these baked goods as presents pre-show! It was really cool but we had to have our company manager test them to make sure they were ok because we have to be cautious when two people show up with dozens of cupcakes and personalized letters for a cast they've never met in a show they haven't seen yet.

Have you been able to watch the show when an understudy was on? What did you think? What was it like?

It's amazing and the best part about it is that the rest of the cast loves it more than the understudy performing. There is an enormous amount of respect and love for the understudies in the cast so when one goes on everybody tries to make it as fun as possible for the person and we all end up having a lot of fun ourselves in the process.

What was it like when you performed in front of Steven Sater/Michael Mayer during the rehearsals?

Amazing. Nerve-racking at first but they love this show and you can tell they were really rooting for us, so the energy was so positive and exciting.

What musical theater role/character outside of the one you are playing now would you most like to play? Why?

Although I'm not the slightest bit Jewish I would love to play Jamie in The Last 5 Years. Jason Robert Brown's story-telling is quite possibly unmatched and the character's journey through some extraordinary times in their lives. Plus Jamie is so likable yet certainly doesn't choose the righteous path... It would be an honor to explore a character with so much depth and humanity as Jamie.

Q&A with Jamie Rea Billings

Role: I am the swing for all of the girl parts (Ilse, Martha, Anna, Wendla, Thea) and I am a Chair of Rock.

What is your favorite song/scene/moment in Spring Awakening?

There are so many magical parts in the show that I love watching and performing. It is an absolute dream doing this show every night. If I had to choose one special moment, though, it would definitely be "Song of Purple Summer." This song really captures the heart of our story. We have the opportunity to reflect on the message we want the audience to walk away with, and we are given the chance to truly connect with the world beyond the show. Every night we perform this song, I feel an incredible connection with everyone in the theatre. I feel honored to be a member of this amazing ensemble, I feel inspired to be telling this timeless story, and I feel humbled to be a part of such a beautiful collaboration. "Song of Purple Summer" breathes life into the hope of Spring Awakening.

What inspires you to play the role?

I am inspired by the many different people who are affected and moved by Spring Awakening. Knowing that our show has the ability to change someone or make a difference in their life, truly motivates me to tell this story every night. I am so lucky to be a part of a collaboration that holds such an important and eternal message for people of all walks of life.

What is it like playing in a new venue almost every night?

Playing a new venue almost every night is truly a whirlwind experience. To make sure I don't blend all of the venues into one, I try to remember something specific about each venue so I can have a special memory for each of our performances. Whether that means relating to a specific audience member, exploring the backstage wall of fame, or encountering some of the theatres’ ghosts--I try to keep each venue separate in my memory. Although we often wish we can stay in a venue more than one night, it is very rewarding to look back and see just how many theatres we have visited.

Do you have a great Guilty Ones moment/story you can share?

I am not quite sure if any “Guilty Ones” were in the audience in Minneapolis, but we had the most enthusiastic fans at the stage door outside of the Orpheum. They cheered for everyone! I thought I had no luck after walking out behind Chris (Melchior), but they recognized me (and everyone who came out after me) with an amazing amount of excitement! It was the first time we had a line of screaming fans waiting to greet us! It reminded me of how excited I was the first time I saw Spring Awakening.

Do you have a great Chair of Rock/Stage Seating experience you can share?

As a Chair of Rock, it is a quite the experience trying to fool the people sitting next to you--it's a very exciting part of our job that we take very seriously. I always feel like it's a good night when I can fool at least one person onstage! At one of our shows, I talked to some very friendly women who were sitting next to me before the show started. As the show began, they thought of me as a local college student who came to see Spring Awakening for the second time. Everything changed after I stood up for the first time. I heard one of the women turn to the other one and say, "She's dead to us! She's a liar!" It took everything in to me to contain my composure for the rest of the song. They, of course, were joking, but I thought it was so funny they decided to talk to me in the middle of a song.

What is the weirdest/coolest thing that happened to you or another cast member on stage/at the stage door?

One of the weirdest things that ever happened onstage was when George's (Otto) glasses were suddenly knocked off in the middle of a scene. Chris somehow hit George's glasses right before he hugs Coby (Moritz) and freezes in the schoolyard scene. He hit George square in the glasses and they went flying into the band. We all saw it happen, and we were all in shock. The moment became much more comedic since the boys had to freeze for the rest of the scene. Once the scene ended, George retreated to the band to find his glasses. Try as we might, I don't think we will ever be able to recreate that moment. Needless to say, it was very weird, very memorable, and quite funny all at the same time.

Have you been able to watch the show when an understudy was on? What did you think? What was it like?

Some of the swings have gone on a few times thus far, and it has been so exciting every time someone has gotten to do the show! There is a completely different energy with someone new onstage, which is so wonderful for everyone to experience. As a fellow understudy, I have been so proud and excited when any of us have had the opportunity to step into a part. It gives all of us an amazing amount of courage for when we might have to go on!

What was it like when you performed in front of Steven Sater/Michael Mayer during the rehearsals?

There was an incredible energy in the room when Steven Sater and Michael Mayer sat in on two of our rehearsals. I had to keep pinching myself to make sure it was real; I couldn't believe the creators of this beautiful piece of theatre were watching us rehearse. Our director, Lucy, set a very nice tone to ensure we wouldn't be too nervous. She reminded all of us this was still a rehearsal, and if we needed to stop we could. I felt so proud of our cast and I felt extremely inspired to be among two incredibly talented artists. We got to speak with them briefly after our rehearsal, and they shared with us some of the backstory in writing and creating the show. I realized there was a much deeper meaning and heart that lived within Spring Awakening. I also realized just how relevant Spring Awakening is to today. There is such a genuine message that can apply to many different people of all ages. Having the original creators in the rehearsal studio, reminded us of the importance and significance of this story and it empowered us to find our own collective heart within the show.

What musical theater role/character outside of the one you are playing now would you most like to play? Why?

There are so many parts I would love to play at some point in my life. If I had to choose one that I have wanted to play since I was a little girl, it would be Belle in Beauty in the Beast. Belle was my hero when I was growing up, and I think it would be a wonderful experience to be in that show. I think it has a great message about accepting someone beyond their appearance. This show may seem like it is just a fairytale, but I think it has a genuine depth and life to it that I would love to find.

Spring Awakening's Christopher Wood

Actor Christopher Wood, who plays the role of Melchior in the 2nd national tour of Spring Awakening, shares some fun facts about himself in this video, provided by fellow cast member, Rachel Geisler. Check it out below!



For more information about Spring Awakening, visit www.springawakening.com.

Q&A with Daniel Plimpton

Role: Ernst

What is your favorite song/scene/moment in Spring Awakening?

I love every moment, but the first one that comes to mind is the moment when the music to “B***h of Living” starts. We have been sitting in the most uncomfortable positions, and that’s the moment when our characters finally have their first chance to break out of this repressive world and say what they are really feeling.

What inspires you to play the role?

In light of the recent suicides, I find it an honor to play Ernst, a homosexual who is finding his way in a society that will not accept who he is. I am happy to say that modern day society is more and more tolerant every day, especially in comparison to our 1891 German world. However, as proven this fall, we have a long way to go, and if I can touch someone in the audience who hasn’t been accepted and can relate to what Ernst is coping with, I know I’ve done something meaningful and special.

What is it like playing in a new venue almost every night?

I always look forward to that first moment when we step onstage and get to see the new house. It’s always awesome to play in any theatre so to play in so many is truly an honor. I take a picture of every theatre so that I don’t forget it.

Do you have a great Guilty Ones moment/story you can share?

I was speaking to one guy after the show whose girlfriend was a Guilty One, and he had never seen the show, only heard the music. He told me that in the past two hours, he had gotten more chills than he had ever gotten in his entire life. It never gets old to hear that you have reached someone in a new way and touched them.

Do you have a great Chair of Rock/Stage Seating experience you can share?

I was blessed one night to have my parents sitting onstage. In a show that is much about parents and children, it was so inspiring to have them there. I cannot be more grateful for the way I was raised and for them to be there with me as I performed this amazing show was truly touching.

What is the weirdest/coolest thing that happened to you or another cast member on stage/at the stage door?

We all had a cool experience in Memphis when we walked into the Orpheum, and read a posting about the ghost that lived in the theatre. We were told that she loved to play with buttons and mess with things onstage. That night was the first night that any microphone had ever come unplugged, our assistant stage manager felt something over his shoulder and kept turning around to find no one there, and multiple cast members came offstage with buttons to redo. It was kind of spooky but I loved every minute of it.

Have you been able to watch the show when an understudy was on? What did you think? What was it like?

I did get the chance to watch the show in Wisconsin, and I got to see it once from the house and once from onstage. It was amazing to be able to feel the audience energy and how glued they were to the events onstage. It was also really inspiring to watch my fellow cast mates and the heart and soul that they put into the show night after night.

What was it like when you performed in front of Steven Sater/Michael Mayer during the rehearsals?

It was amazing to hear what they said about the origins of the show, and to see how much this piece means to them. I remember when Michael Mayer was there, he started crying during “Purple Summer.” Being able to look at this man who has created a piece that means so much to me and to so many people was truly an unforgettable moment. I will be forever grateful to Steven Sater and Michael Mayer for their work and to be able to perform for them was truly unbelievable.

What musical theater role/character outside of the one you are playing now would you most like to play? Why?

I would kill to play Huck Finn in Big River - it has been my dream role since I first heard the music when I was 13. Big River is another show that has such an important message. Huck has a rebellious, fun side to him while still caring greatly about humanity and morality. I really do hope to play that part in the next few years.

Spring Awakening's Billy Lewis

Spring Awakening's Billy Lewis, who is a Chair of Rock on tour, shares some fun facts about himself in this video, provided by fellow cast member, Rachel Geisler. Check it out below!



For more information about Spring Awakening, visit www.springawakening.com.

Travis Stroessenreuther - Q&A

Role:
Adult Male (Understudy)

What is your favorite song/scene/moment in Spring Awakening?

It's hard not to be jazzed by ”Totally F***ed.” The energy that pours off that stage is just incredible. I find, though, that there are smaller, more intimate moments that sometimes just catch me off guard and really affect me on different nights. The scene between Moritz and Ilse, for example, gets me nearly every night.

What inspires you to play the role?

As the adult male, I really enjoy the challenge of making each character genuine and human. I think the trap can be to play stereotypes of the characters rather than the characters themselves. There HAS to be something to grab on to for the audience. If every character in the “Adult World' is just awful and there is no redeeming quality, who cares? There has to be something tangible and sympathetic about each and every one of those characters.

What is it like playing in a new venue almost every night?

The theatres have been beautiful and the energy from each new audience has been tremendous. You really remember that it's their first time.

Do you have a great Chair of Rock/Stage Seating experience you can share?

I'm sure it's been mentioned already, but we had a fellow onstage in Wichita that got a little too, what's the word, exuberant? He began to stand and sway and, during “Totally F***ed,” began dancing and banging on the chairs. As he began to step into the playing area, our head carpenter smoothly went onto the stage and escorted him off. He was probably harmless, but you just can't take that chance.

What is the weirdest/coolest thing that happened to you or another cast member on stage?

Please see above!

Have you been able to watch the show when an understudy was on? What did you think? What was it like?

The understudies that have gone on have been tremendous! They've really come through wonderfully and it's been a joy to see. Also, it really makes the rest of the cast step up their game as well because of that new energy that is onstage. Really amazing. As the Adult Male understudy, I haven't had the opportunity to go on yet. I hope to in the Spring.

What musical theater role/character outside of the one you are playing now would you most like to play? Why?

It's interesting. I'm not generally a musical theatre guy, but here I am on a national tour of a musical. I'm trained as an improv comedian and a classical actor. I would absolutely LOVE to be in a production of The Complete Works of Shakespeare: Abridged!

Spring Awakening's Aliya Bowles

Aliya Bowles, who plays the role of Martha in the national tour of Spring Awakening shares some fun facts about herself in this video. Click below to watch it now!



Video courtesy of Rachel Geisler.

For more information about Spring Awakening, visit www.springawakening.com.

Blah, Blah, Blah Wednesday #6 Recap

Spring Awakening on Tour's final Blah, Blah, Blah Wednesday live text chat took place on Facebook with Courtney Markowitz (Ilse), Daniel Plimpton (Ernst), and Jeff Ostermueller. Check out some highlights from the chat below!

Courtney Markowitz

Q: Did you study theater in college?
Courtney: Jeff and I went to school together at Elon.
Daniel: I'm going to Boston Conservatory.

Q: If your character was around today, what do you think they would be doing?
Courtney: Ilse would definitely be a Steelers fan.
Daniel: Ernst would be a gay rights activist.

Q: What is the best advice you would give to someone if they want to be on Broadway or on a National Tour?
Jeff: The best advice is that you should always keep training. If someone really wants to be successful in our business, you have to keep training.

Jeff Ostermueller

Q: What's your favorite song to perform in the chairs and what is your favorite role in the show?
Jeff: Good questions. My favorite song to perform is "Totally F***ed" because we're on the stage and on the chair, and we get to move around a lot. My favorite character would be Melchior because his story is so unique and yet full, and there's a lot to discover in that role.

Q: What is the hardest part of being on tour and what is the best part of being on tour?
Daniel: The long bus rides is the hardest part, and the best part is performing the show every night for new audiences.

Daniel Plimpton

Q: What's the most challenging thing about portraying your role in the show?
Courtney: We're older than the characters we're playing, so it's been interesting to back to the innocence of being 14 or 15 now that we're older.
Jeff: The hardest part of being a swing is remembering who the characters are, as they are similar.
Daniel: Ernst is more naive than I was when I was 15, so channeling that "ignorance is bliss" attitude is kind of fun.

Q: What is/was your approach to figuring out how to play your character?
Courtney: We did a research project and looked at the type of people we would have been in the society we would have lived in at the time.
Daniel: For me, finding the relationship between the boys was really telling for the character.

Q: Ilse is the last person Moritz talks to. How does this motivate you in Purple Summer?? (You do it beautifully, by the way; everyone on stage when I was there was holding back tears- you rock!)
Courtney: Thank you so much! I think that verse is written so well because you see throughout the show the way that different characters fail because of the lack of communication and attention from those that are older than them. And Purple Summer is filled with so much hope with the intent that things will change and will continue to change.

Q: What are your favorite specific lyrics in the show, and why?
Courtney: I really love the color imagery throughout the show, and there's broad symbolism that everyone in the audience can relate to it on a personal level.
Jeff: I really like the lyrics in "Blue Wind" because they're not so specific in telling a story, but you can feel the words. The words are so powerful.
Daniel: The first one that came to mind is: "I'm calling and one day all will know." That could mean anything for anyone.

Q: What's your most favorite/memorable fan reaction to the show. Any interesting stage dooring incidents?
Daniel: A boy told me that he had gotten more chills in the past two and a half hours than he had ever gotten in his whole life.
Courtney: A few people have told me they've remembered me from Elon, where I went to school.

Q: What's your favorite musical? And also, what's your favorite book? I need some new reading material. Haha.
Courtney: My favorite is Sunday in the Park with George. I just finished reading Eat Pray Love.
Daniel: I don't have a favorite musical, but I think West Side Story is the best written musical. Read On the Road by Jack Kerouac.

Q&A with Mark Poppleton

Role:
Adult Male

What is your favorite song/scene/moment in Spring Awakening?

“Totally F***ed,” and it was amazing at one venue we received three waves of applause for it. Totally gratifying!

What inspires you to play the role?

The chance to touch a new audience every night with this incredible show.

What is it like playing in a new venue almost every night?

Having a fixed set that travels with us means that no matter how different the venue is, it always feels like home.

What is the weirdest/coolest thing that happened to you or another cast member at the stage door?

It's fun that sometimes I walk out of the stage door and the crowd parts like the Red Sea because they are afraid of my characters. Then usually someone breaks the ice, and they realize I'm really a nice person.

What was it like when you performed in front of Steven Sater/Michael Mayer during the rehearsals?

I had so much going on in my mind; I didn't really worry about who was out there. BUT afterwards...it was really cool!

What musical theater role/character outside of the one you are playing now would you most like to play? Why?

I was already lucky enough to play one of my favorite roles, Sweeney Todd. I would love to play that again and again. One of my favorites I have not yet gotten a chance to play is Javert in Les Misérables.

Blah, Blah, Blah Wednesday #6

Cast of the national tour of Spring Awakening
(C)2010 Andy Snow

Please join us on the Spring Awakening on Tour Facebook page on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 3:00 PM EST for the FINAL live text chat with cast members from the show! It’s your chance to be the reporter and ask the cast anything and everything you want to know about life on the road in Spring Awakening!

Blah, Blah, Blah Wednesday #6 will feature cast members Courtney Markowitz (Ilse), Daniel Plimpton (Ernst), and Jeff Ostermueller (Ensemble).

Submit your questions NOW for Courtney, Daniel, and Jeff by posting them to our main Facebook wall.

Remember, if you can't be here for the chat on Wednesday at 3 PM, you can submit your question in advance and then check out the cast's answers on Facebook after the chat! Please note: Cast participation is subject to change. Due to the limited time we have with the cast, we may not be able to answer all fan questions, but we will try to get to as many as possible. Thanks!

Sarah Kleeman - Q&A

Role: Adult Women

What is your favorite song/scene/moment in Spring Awakening?

I love “B***h of Living.” The guys have so much energy. It’s amazing to see every night.

What inspires you to play the role?

Well, in my case I play several roles, which is challenging. Each time I enter the playing space I am a different person. Sometimes I don’t even leave the playing space and I turn into another character. It took some time to find the nuance of each woman. They vary greatly in their outlook, demeanor, background and speaking patterns. It has been fun to continue to find more depth in each of them as time goes on. What inspires me in each role is the belief that each of these women feels that what they are doing is for the best. Some act more hastily than others, but each is just trying to survive in their worlds during a very conservative time.

What is it like playing in a new venue almost every night?

Challenging but exciting. Each venue has a different stage area that poses different benefits/obstacles. It definitely keeps us on our toes. What has been most interesting is the vibe of each audience. Sometimes the difference between them is startling. One day we’ll play for a very young, enthusiastic audience and another day it will be a more conservative, quiet audience.

Do you have a great Guilty Ones moment/story you can share?

I’m not sure if this guy was a guilty one but it took me by surprise when I got a Facebook friend request by someone with me pictured in his profile pic.

Do you have a great Chair of Rock/Stage Seating experience you can share?

I have a feeling I will not be the only one sharing this story! In one of our final performances before the holiday lay off there was an audience member sitting next to me that seemed to be pretty odd. By the second half he was doing the dance moves and mouthing the words in his seat. When he decided to get up and dance during “Totally F***ed”, it was the last straw and the crew had to remove him from the stage.

What is the weirdest/coolest thing that happened to you or another cast member on stage?

I think the previous story takes the cake for me. :)

Have you been able to watch the show when an understudy was on? What did you think? What was it like?

I’ve never been in the audience but as a cast member on stage what is cool when an understudy goes on is the shift that takes place within the cast. Everyone’s focus is heightened. I know for myself, that being jarred out of normalcy has resulted in fun discoveries.

What was it like when you performed in front of Steven Sater/Michael Mayer during the rehearsals?

It was both exciting and scary to perform for them. I have such huge respect for both of them. It was such an honor to have them there. I wanted make sure that I was doing the piece justice and that my work honored the story.

What musical theater role/character outside of the one you are playing now would you most like to play? Why?

This is a tough one! It is hard to pick just one. I’d like to play Dot in Sunday in the Park with George. I love the music, I love the dimension in her character, her humor and her grief. The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods is a great role, I love her strength and her humor. And, I would love to play Margaret in The Light in the Piazza someday. I love the depth, insight, and the struggle she has. I also think it would be fulfilling to sing because of my classical background.