Melchior (David Jeffrey) sings during a media premiere night of "Spring Awakening" at the Medicine Hat College Theatre on Wednesday. The show continues tonight, Saturday and again Feb. 8-11.--NEWS PHOTO IAN SORENSEN

Chris Brown
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In its short history the local Hometown Acting Studio has already produced a body of work that provokes, intrigues and keeps the audience talking long after the curtain has closed.
The company's latest production, "Spring Awakening," is no different.
The story follows a group of teenagers as they try to navigate life in 1880s Germany. The issues the teens in the play talk about and struggle with — rape, child abuse, suicide, virginity — are timeless, with today's teens dealing with the same problems.
The leads — Wendla (Keri Kelly), Moritz (Branden Martin), and Melchior (David Jeffrey) — are standouts for both their vocal talents and their acting chops. Shelby MacPhail in the role of Martha also stands out, especially when revealing the abuse she has suffered at the hands of her father.
The mature themes in "Spring Awakening" will no doubt make some in any audience uncomfortable. But the subjects, and in some cases actions, are handled with the utmost seriousness when necessary and a touch of humour when appropriate.
The musical numbers will keep the audience engaged, and some wouldn't be out of place on Top 40 radio stations.
Director Clare MacMillan said in a recent interview she hoped the play might open the door to discussion. There's no doubt many will be talking about the show for a long time.
"Spring Awakening" is at the Medicine Hat College Theatre tonight, Saturday and again Feb. 8-11, at 8 p.m., Tickets, $20 for students and $30 for the general public, and can be purchased online at tixx.ca, at the Esplanade box office, at the customer service desk at Medicine Hat Mall or at 403-502-8777.