The standard heartbeat is 60 beats per minute, which the second hand on a watch was modeled after. Music plays a central role in the author's life, without which would feel like losing their heartbeat. A local production of the musical Spring Awakening will debut in the Rio Grande Valley, showcasing talented young performers exploring controversial coming-of-age themes through compelling music.

1. “The standard heartbeat is 60 beats per minute, which the
19
second hand on a watch was modeled after. My life without
music would be like taking away my heartbeat.”
individuals in the RGV do not appreciate opera for Rey in McAllen, will play host. e city will be one
what it is. Opera, the grandfather musical! I love of the rst three in Texas to debut a local production
musicals for their modern storytelling and modern of Spring Awakening. Talent from around the Valley
musical techniques in utilizing new instruments and eagerly auditioned and rehearsals began immediately.
electronic sounds. We are in a digital age and it is be- Jaramillo and stage director, Felipe Garcia, lead rigor-
ing represented in every aspect of our lives. I think ous sessions garnering disciplined, dynamic perfor-
if more people become exposed to hit musicals, they mances that will undoubtedly oor their audiences
might be more apt to experience other musical art in August. What’s become clear while observing an
forms that they are unfamiliar with, like opera,” he eight hour Saturday rehearsal is that the baker’s dozen
explains. of performers whole heartedly believe in this project.
“Music is the center of my life because it is one of
There’sart-mindedancrowd in Harlingen
new
been a recent emergence of a
and Jaramillo saw opportunity to cap-
those things that we experience throughout our lives
without fully being aware of it. When I was younger,
it was hard for me to articulate my feelings so I used
ture a new audience Valley wide. Enter music [piano] as my vehicle and outlet. It shaped
Spring Awakening. Jaramillo visited London and who I am today,” he says re ecting on how life has led
saw the smash hit musical and became infatuated. him here.
e groundbreaking show received multiple Tony e music, as it happens, is spectacular in Spring
Awards and critical acclaim worldwide. Only recent- Awakening. e score was composed by popular
ly were the rights li ed to allow amateurs to produce American singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik. Part
the show without consequence of copyright infringe- pop, part rock, it’s modern and appealing. Add the
ment. e racy musical is set in 1890 and the teenage riveting performances by the young, a ractive cast
characters experience controversial issues like rape, directed by two highly knowledgeable and experi-
suicide, drug use, abuse, molestation and rst love. enced directors and the results are electrifying.
Ultimately, it’s a coming of age story about discover-
ing oneself. And though it’s set more than 120 years E
ago, the themes covered, both positive and negative,
are relevant today more than ever.
Jaramillo pitched the show in Harlingen and was Provacouture Productions [K3] will debut
turned away because of the subject ma er. Over- Spring Awakening on August 20 & 21 at Cine
night, he revamped the original company and Prova- El Rey, 311 S. 17th St., McAllen, TX 78501.
couture Productions [K3] launched. He took a leap Tickets can be purchased at 956.797.6363,
of faith and secured a venue and started planning as well as at the box office on show dates.
fundraisers. An appropriate theater, historic Cine El