10/11/08

Fan Friday

Meet Frances Koncan. Frances is a huge Spring Awakening fan. Hear what she had to say about her experience with the show below.

SA: How long have you been a fan of Spring Awakening?
FK: I have been a fan of Spring Awakening just over a year now. I am unfortunately neither 'old school' nor 'new school', and thus have been suffering for an identity crisis for quite some time now.

SA:
When and where have you seen the show? (More than once?)
FK: Like age, it's nothing but a number. It doesn't really mean anything. For anyone that's interested, we'll make it fun! Solve for X: [4^((2x - 132)^(1/3))]/8 + 467 = 469. Major props to anyone who bothers to figure that out. If you seriously did, holler and I will take you out for coffee so I can bow down to your mathematical skill in person. To get all needlessly specific, I saw the show 5 times in San Francisco, and the rest in New York. In retrospect, I had way too much free time in early 2008.

SA:
What is your favorite part of the show?
FK: I have many favourite parts of the show. My enjoyment of different songs and scenes depends greatly on who I am with, where I am sitting, who's in the cast, and how much coffee I've had to drink. I really like 'Left Behind' if I am up onstage with some friends, because we like to put sad faces on and see which one of us can get the fake tears going first. My absolute favorite part of the show, though, is 'Song of Purple Summer'. I am told I look very bored when I watch the show, but that I always seem very happy during Purple Summer. This is true. It melts my frozen, apathetic little heart and I usually end up spending a good 20 minutes hugging everyone and telling them how much I love them afterwards. I like that. There is never a bad time to tell your friends you love them. Can I tell them right now? Dear friends, I love you! Also, Robert Downey Jr., I love you as well. (Facebook me!)

SA: What's your favorite song from the soundtrack?
FK: Several people asked me to take this time to relay a public service announcement: it's not a soundtrack, it's a cast recording. Personally, I don't care or see why it matters and I understand the question so I'm not going to dwell on a technicality (but I felt like I should throw that out there since I have commandeered this soapbox for a hot minute!) I am in the camp of nitpickers who think the cast recording is kind of sub-par; based on that recording, I would say my favourite song is 'The Dark I Know Well', because not a whole lot is lost in translation from stage to cd/ipod. Based on other audios I prefer to listen to... I would still go with 'The Dark I Know Well'. I know this song is not exactly uplifting and I feel like a tool tapping my foot and bopping my head to a song where girls are singing about how their fathers sexually abuse them, but that drum beat is too much contagious. It's like the flu, or lice.

SA:
Any other music, shows, or bands that you particularly love?
FK: I love all music! I love it more than anything or anyone else in the world. Much to the chargrin of my parents, I am under the impression that I do not need food, clothing, or money, just music, to survive. Music is the best of mathematics and the best of art and I adore it. I listen to and appreciate a wide variety of genres and styles, but when it comes down to it, I am very loyal to classical music (I studied classical horn and classical piano for my first few years in college before deciding I wanted to become a journalist at work for CNN instead). Fact: there is an awful lot of Gregorian Chant on my iPod.

Farewell San Francisco!

Hey Bloggers!

As we head into our final weekend here in San Francisco, I think I speak on behalf of the whole company when I say THANK YOU SAN FRANCISCO for making these past six weeks so special. We had a great time here, whether it was hanging out with Sea Lions at Pier 39 or getting locked up at Alcatraz. All your support means so much to us and we're so grateful for this enthusiastic reception of our production. I just wanted to send this out before all the craziness started - we've got a lot of packing to do and I wouldn't want to go without a proper goodbye!

So, once again, good bye and thank you San Francisco - Seattle, here we come!

-Ben

10/7/08

More Videos from San Francisco



10/3/08

Fan Friday

This week’s featured fan is Chris Murakami from Elk Grove, CA. Chris has memorized every song and scene from the show and has taught himself every ensemble harmony. Recently, in his high school cabaret show, he directed a short sequence of numbers from Spring Awakening teaching all of the ensemble harmonies and most of the original choreography! Chris is a true fan, and answered some questions for us.

SA: How long have you been a fan of Spring Awakening?
CM: The first time I was introduced to Spring Awakening was when a friend brought the soundtrack to my birthday party a few years ago. At first, I was a bit taken aback by the lyrics and profanity, but soon became an instant fan. Since then, I've completely fell in love with the show and how captivating it is.

SA: Have you seen the show live yet? If so, where and how many times?
CM: I have seen the show once live with the touring company in San Francisco. However, I eventually want to see the show in New York. I'm planning on seeing the show this Sunday again on the 28th. I'm really excited to meet the cast again and hope they remember me.

SA: What's your favorite scene from the show?
CM: My favorite part of the show is "The Song of Purple Summer". When I saw it live, there
were so many more harmonies than on the recording and I was completely blown away. Another favorite moment of the show was the beating scene. Since I hadn't seen the show before, this was a surprise to me. Although I'm sure the actors have rehearsed it so many times, it seemed so real, spontaneous, and raw. In my opinion, it's the most powerful scene in the show.

SA: What is your favorite song from the Soundtrack?
CM: The best song on the soundtrack is Mama Who Bore Me (Reprise). I love to blast the song in my car and just belt it. When I'm at stoplights, people tend to stare at me...

SA: Any other music, shows or bands that you particularly love?
CM: The mixing of stage and contemporary music that is featured in Spring Awakening and other current musicals helped inspire me to begin writing my own musical. I play the piano and I am learning guitar, and have written a number of original songs for my show. I'm finishing writing the lyrics and revising the script, but I'm well on my way. In addition to this, I helped organize and teach a medley of songs from Spring Awakening for a talent show at my high school. Sadly, I'm able to recite every original cast member, the role they've played, the roles they've understudied (including the swings), and am currently working on memorizing the tour cast. My favorite performer from Spring Awakening is Phoebe Strole, the original Anna, and i'd love to meet her someday. Finally, I auditioned for the show when there were open calls in San Francisco. I got called back to read for Moritz and sing from the show. Overall, it was an awesome experience and I loved every minute of it!

UPCOMING TOUR SCHEDULE


MILWAUKEE, WI
10/06/09 - 10/11/09
Uihlein Hall Marcus Center For The Performing Arts
929 North Water Street, Milwaukee, WI
http://www.broadwayticketscenter.com


KANSAS CITY, MO
10/13/09 - 10/18/09
Music Hall
301 West 13th Street, Kansas City, MO
Non-subscription tickets on sale Sept 5, 2009 (subj to change)
http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/56473
800-982-2787

AUSTIN, TX
10/20/09 - 10/25/09
Bass Hall
23rd St & Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX
http://www.utpac.org/venues/bass_concert_hall
(512) 477-6060

SAN JOSE, CA
10/28/09 - 11/01/09
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts/BroadwaySanJose
http://www.broadwaysanjose.com/springawakening.php
(866)395-2929

SACRAMENTO, CA
Nov 4-15, 2009
Sacramento Community Center,
1301 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
http://www.californiamusicaltheatre.com/index.cfm?page=629856


COSTA MESA, CA
Nov 17-29, 2009
Orange County Performing Arts Center
600 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Ticketing number: 714.556.2787
http://www.ocpac.org/home/Events/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=887&NavID=85


DENVER, CO
Dec 1-13, 2009
The Buell Theatre
Denver Performing Arts Complex
14th and Curtis Streets Denver, CO 80204
Non-subscription tickets on sale: Mon, Oct 19, 2009 (web only Oct 18)
Ticketing Number: (800) 641-1222
Groups: 303-446-4829
http://www.denvercenter.org/shows-and-events/Shows/SpringAwakening/Overview.aspx

HERSHEY, PA
Jan 5-10, 2010
Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave, PO Box 395 Hershey, PA 17033
Non-Subscription Tickets on sale: Mon Aug 17, 2009
Groups: 717-534-3412
http://www.hersheytheatre.com/performances_events/details.php?id=8952

CINCINNATTI, OH
Jan 12-24, 2010
Aronoff Center
650 Walnut Street Cincinnati, OH 45202
Non-subscription Tickets go on sale: Nov 2009
Ticketing (not avail until 11/9) 800.982.2787
http://www.ticketmaster.com/

FORT MYERS, FL
Jan 26-31, 2010
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
8099 College Parkway, SW Fort Myers, FL 33919
Non-subscription Tickets on sale: Sept 1, 2009 (Tentative)
Ticketing number: 800-440-7469
Groups: 239-489-3033, x 3122
http://www.bbmannpah.com/

CHARLOTTE, NC
Feb 2-Feb 7, 2010
Belk Theatre, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
130 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC
http://www.blumenthalcenter.org/
Group Tickets: (704) 379-1380
Ticketing number: (704) 372-1000

ROCHESTER, NY
Feb 9-14, 2010
Auditorium Theatre, Rochester Broadway League
885 E. Main Street Rochester, NY 14605
Ticketing Number: 800-745-3000

HARTFORD, CT
February 23-28, 2010
Bushnell Performing Arts Center
http://www.bushnell.org/

DURHAM, NC
MARCH 2-7, 2009
DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center
Ticketing: 919-680-2787
Groups: 919-281-0587
http://www.dpacnc.com

ATLANTA, GA
March 9-14, 2010
Fabulous Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Call Ticketmaster at (404) 817-8700
http://www.foxtheatre.org/

GREENVILLE, SC
March 16-21, 2010
The Peace Center
300 S. Main Street Greenville, SC 29601
Ticketing Number: 800-888-7768
Groups: 864-679-9201
http://www.peacecenter.org/

DALLAS, TX
March 23 - April 4, 2010
Dallas Center for the Performing Arts
2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 650 Dallas, Texas 75201
Box Office: 214.880.0202
http://www.dallasperformingarts.org/

DETROIT, MI
April 20-May 9, 2010
3011 W. Grand Boulevard Detroit, MI 48202
Ticketing number: 800-982-2787
Group Tickets: 313-871-1132
http://www.nederlanderdetroit.com/

MIAMI, FL
May 11-16, 2010
Arsht Center
Box Office: 305.949.6722
http://www.arshtcenter.org/

ORLANDO, FL
May 18-23, 2010
Carr Performing Arts Center
401 West Livingston Street Orlando, FL 32801
http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/Orlando

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I send fan mail to the cast?

If you just want to send a quick note to all the cast members telling them you appreciate their work, you can email us here at totallytruckedblog (at) gmail (dot) com. I will be happy to forward your email to the cast, but to preserve their privacy, it is unlikely they will email you back (I will, though).

You can also send individual performers fan mail and care packages care of the theatre at which we are currently performing or will be performing. Go to the theatre's website (listed above), find their mailing address, write the actor's name as well as "Spring Awakening" and send c/o the theatre. Remember, we are often at these theatres for only a week so make sure to allow for delivery times. It's a better bet to send it to the theatre we will be going to next as they can always hold packages for us until we arrive. Letters received late will not be forwarded to our next location.

2. How Can I Audition for Spring Awakening?
From time to time, we have open calls in larger cities across the US. We will post any additional open calls here. Subscribe if you havn't already to keep informed. In the meantime, we've made it easy for you to submit yourself singing a folk/alternative rock song on video. Go to: http://www.springawakening.com/videoauditionsubmission/ Make sure your submission is less than 500 MB and is one of the accepted formats. Your screen should change and you should get a confirmation that says your submission has been received. Trust us, people are called in this way. Lucas Wells was cast because of an online submission!


3. How Do I Score On Stage Seats?
That is really up to the individual theatres. Most of them won't release the seats until just before performances because they want to make sure the house is sold first. Some do so online, although the ticketing systems they have in place often can't accommodate our unique seats onstage. Most of them are available only at the box office (though you can purchase them for a performance in the future). The Guilty Ones Street Team members have the rights to purchase these seats before the general public. Any seats left over will be released to the box office and may also be purchased as part of rush tickets (discounted, day-of tickets).

4. How Do I Join The Guilty Ones?

The National Guilty Ones Street Team is a way for fans of the show in each of our tour stops to help us spread the word. You will get access to parties, meet and greets, and other special events while meeting new friends who share your passion for the show, all while gaining some valuable marketing experience. You must be at least 15 yrs old. Email your contact info to nationalguiltyones (at) gmail (dot) com.

5. Can I Get Discounts?

From time to time, a theatre may offer us discounts to send out to our fans. We will post any here on the blog. Subscribe now!

6. Who runs this site? This site was created for fans to stay connected with our touring cast and follow their adventures around North America. Ideally, it would be in the voice of the cast members. Unfortunately, our cast members are often too tired or busy to post lengthy blog posts on a regular basis. Company members will contribute a post from time to time and every month we will have a compiled blog post that most every company member will participate in. The other stuff like updates, etc, will be posted by me. My name is Pun. I work for the production, love this show, its cast, and our fans, and I'm so very glad you're here!





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