Coastal Carolina University Theatre will present a contemporary adaptation of Frank Wedekind’s controversial play “Spring Awakening.” Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22 through Saturday, Oct. 24; and Thursday, Oct. 29 and Friday, Oct. 30 in Wheelwright Auditorium. The performance contains ?adult subject matter and may not be suitable for children.

“Spring Awakening” follows the lives of three teenagers, Melchior, Moritz and Wendla, as they navigate their entry into sexual awareness. Written in 1891 and first produced in Wedekind’s native Germany, the play has attracted controversy because of its bold subject matter. The issues it addresses – teenage desire, suicide, abortion, homosexuality – are as relevant today as at any time since the play was written, according to CCU theatre professor Steve Earnest, director of the production. “Unlike many works that claim to tell the truth about adolescence, ‘Spring Awakening’ offers no easy answers,” says Earnest.

“Spring Awakening” features a large cast of 24 students, led by Ryan Shafer, Sydney Hough, Brian Dunlop, Caleb Brannen and Felicia Powers. The production is based on a new English translation of the German text by American novelist Jonathan Franzen (“The Corrections”) and includes music by Virtue Trap, the University’s faculty rock band.

General admission is $15; teens (11-17) and children (10 and under) are $5; alumni, senior citizens (65+) and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) members are $10; Coastal Carolina University and Horry Georgetown Technical College students are $5 per valid ID; and Coastal Carolina University and HGTC faculty and staff are $10 per valid ID. Tickets may be purchased at the Wheelwright Box Office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Wheelwright Box Office at 843-349-2502.