Elon junior Taylor Trensch and alumnus Matt Shingledecker '08 have spent much of the past year headlining the national tour of the Broadway musical, "Spring Awakening." This weekend, the Trensch and Shingledecker will enjoy a homecoming of sorts, as the critically acclaimed tour makes a stop at the Durham Performing Arts Center this weekend.
“I was floored with the talent of the show,” said Brian O’Shea ’04, assistant to the dean of student life. O’Shea attended Thursday night’s showing at the Durham Performing Arts Center. “Matt and Taylor are incredible representatives of the Elon performing arts program and join a long line of Elon alumni performing to audiences across the country.”
“Spring Awakening” focuses on the tumultuous discovery of sexuality among teenagers in late 19th century Germany; Shingledecker and Trench portray two of the teenagers, and Shingledecker serves as understudy for the male lead, Melchior. Shingledecker joined the cast prior to graduating in 2008, and Trensch, who is taking a leave of absence for the 2009-10 academic year to tour with the company, joined the tour in July 2009.
“The show is extraordinary,” said Cathy McNeela, professor of performing arts. “Of course, Matt and Taylor are a huge part of that success.”
Tickets for “Spring Awakening” performances Friday through Sunday are on sale and can be purchased by clicking the first link to the right.
A Feb. 25 story in the Times-News (Burlington, N.C.) by Charity Apple offers insights into Trensch and Shingledecker’s experiences on tour. Click the second link to the right to see the story.