YORK Stage Musicals will present the Yorkshire premiere of Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s Broadway musical Spring Awakening at the Vaudeville Theatre, Joseph Rowntree School, York, from November 17 to 20.

Based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial German play of 1891, this bold new musical tells the late-19th century tale of a group of teenagers embarking on the turbulent transition from youth to adulthood.

Wendla begs her mother to explain where babies come from, only to be fobbed off with mumblings about “the stork”. Melchior, more advanced in his sexual education, has been studying diagrams that would bring tears to the eyes of his elders.

On a stormy spring afternoon, Wendla and Melchior succumb to desire. Fumbling their way into one another’s arms, they learn the joys of sexual awakening; only later will they learn of its potential to devastate.

“The strong energy of this musical play is created by the juxtaposition of libretto that stays true to Wedekind’s original text, set against a wonderfully of-the-moment folk-infused rock score,” says YSM director Robert Readman.

Robert believes the new theatre at Joseph Rowntree School will be the ideal setting. “There’s something quietly apt about performing a tale of teenage discovery in a school,” he says.

His cast combines new and old YSM members, entrusting the two lead male roles to the experienced Luke Dunford as Melchior and Alex Papapchristou as troubled soul Moritz, whose welling sexual desires have fatal consequences when allied to the pressure to do well at school.

“I’ve been careful to cast the best actor-singers in the young people’s roles,” says Robert. “With her pop vocals, Charlie Young is the perfect Ilse, while new members Robyn Grant, as Wendla, and Louise Carter, as Martha, are sure to blow you away with their ability to act through song.”

Older company members Nik Briggs and Jessica Hardcastle will take on the challenge of portraying the various teachers and parents, accompanied by an ensemble of strong vocal talent: Laura Attridge, Simon Brookshaw, Sophie Hammond, Jonny Holbek, Grace Lancaster, Emily Ramsden, George Stagnell and Nathan Unthank.

Further roles will go to Adam Sowter as Hanschen; John Whitney, Ernst; Mikhail Lim, Georg; Eliza Gergely, Anna; Matt Hill, Otto; and Freya Gosnold, Thea.

Spring Awakening won eight Tony Awards on Broadway. “It’s since become a music theatre phenomenon throughout the world, garnering a cult following wherever it has travelled,” says Robert.

“Driven by an exceptional score ranging from power ballads to grunge anthems that capture the spine-tingling highs and lows of youthful desire, this exuberant show has all the energy of a rock concert and all the power of a great drama.”

• Tickets for the 7.30pm performances are on sale at £10, concessions £9, at York Theatre Royal, 01904 623568. Please note, the show contains strong language and scenes of a sexual nature.