Sonya Tayeh choreographing Spring Awakening at the SJ Rep
Sonya Tayeh
Does this tattooed woman with a shaved head look familiar to you? If so, you’re probably a dancer and/or a fan of So You Think You Can Dance, where Sonya Tayeh is a frequent choreographer and occasional guest judge. Well known for her quirky contemporary dances on the television show, she has become one of the more popular choreographers. And she is in San Jose right now, choreographing the San Jose Repertory Theatre’s season opener, Spring Awakening. As if I weren’t excited enough about this show, now I can barely wait until Opening Night!
COMING OF AGE IN A SOCIETY CLOAKED IN TABOOS
Caught between their sexual urges and society’s contradictory teachings, a group of teenagers reveals their alluringly melancholy story of self-discovery and coming-of-age anxiety as seen through the eyes of young teenagers. Set in repressive 19th-century Germany, these students attempt to reckon with the thrilling, complicated and confusing time of their sexual awakening. This haunting and provocative rock-musical is a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion in a daring fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll.
Haunting and electrifying! This brave new musical has a shivery, sensual allure unmatched by anything in the theater right now. -The New York Times
Metblogs will be at the SJ Rep on September 7 (the Official Opening Night) to review the show for you, but previews start tonight and tonight is also Pay What You Will night. Pay What You Will Night is a San Jose Rep community outreach program that supports the company’s mission of accessibility and affordability for every member of the community. A suggested ticket price of $10 is requested. However, any amount will be accepted. No handling or facility fee will be assessed on any ticket. Tickets are available only at the Box Office.
Please Note: Spring Awakening is a powerful coming of age story with mature themes, including sexual situations, partial nudity, and strong language.
September 1 – 25, 2011
based on the play by Frank Wedekind
directed by Rick Lombardo | choreographed by Sonya Tayeh
[…] Sonya Tayeh, known from “So You think You can Dance”, was
brought in as choreographer for the show, and while I am sure she’s
going to help fill theater seats (she certainly made ME excited
about the show), the choreography was not what I expected.
Known for her quirky modern dances on the television show, she kept
the dancing in the background here, using it only to express the
thoughts, feelings and frustrations of the characters, while
letting the story shine through. It is what a choreographer
should do in a show like this, and I believe she did it
perfectly. As a side note, she was in the audience on Opening
Night and was absolutely gorgeous. […]