SPRING AWAKENING: THOSE YOU’VE KNOWN, directed by Michael John Warren and produced by RadicalMedia (HBO’s “David Byrne’s American Utopia”), from HBO Documentary Films’ debuts TUESDAY, MAY 3 (9:00-10:23 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.
Spring Awakening has always been one of my favorite musicals of all time; ranking consistently in my top 3. Sadly, I never had the opportunity to see it with the original cast, but have seen several touring productions of this emotionally charged story. The soundtrack alone is enough to move you heart and soul. I am so excited that HBO is releasing this documentary, and I can’t wait to deep dive behind the scenes – Matt Mungle
Synopsis: 15 years after the smash, Tony-winning Broadway run of “Spring Awakening,” the original cast and creative team reunite for a spectacular, one-night only reunion concert to benefit The Actors Fund. Chronicling their whirlwind journey back to the stage, the film follows the players as they reconnect and rediscover the beauty and timelessness of the hit musical, sharing the show’s underdog origins, its path to Tony glory, the universal themes of teenage repression and angst, and the unconventional love story of breakout stars Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele.
The documentary pulls back the curtain to showcase the reunited original cast and creative team at rehearsals, in their homes and backstage. The film features electrifying performances from the reunion concert in November 2021, newly filmed interviews, candid archival video and photographs, as well as performance footage from the original 2006 show that went on to sweep the Tonys, winning eight awards, including Best Musical. “Spring Awakening” forever changed the lives of the mostly unknown teenage cast and inspired a generation of fans by laying bare taboo issues of teen love, abortion, abuse, sexual identity and suicide in an unapologetic, edgy rock musical set in the 1890s.
Featured participants: Cast members Jonathan Groff, Lea Michele, John Gallagher Jr., Lauren Pritchard, Lilli Cooper, Skylar Astin, Gerard Canonico, Jennifer Damiano, Christine Estabrook, Gideon Glick, Robert Hager, Brian C. Johnson, Krysta Rodriguez, Stephen Spinella, Phoebe Strole, Jonathan B Wright, Remy Zaken; original Broadway director Michael Mayer; lyricist and playwright Steven Sater; score composer Duncan Sheik; and lead producers Tom Hulce and Ira Pittelman.
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