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individuals in the RGV do not appreciate opera for what it is. Opera, the grandfather musical! I love musicals for their modern storytelling and modern musical techniques in utilizing new instruments and electronic sounds. We are in a digital age and it is be-ing represented in every aspect of our lives. I think if more people become exposed to hit musicals, they might be more apt to experience other musical art forms that they are unfamiliar with, like opera,” he explains.

There’s been a recent emergence of a new art-minded crowd in Harlingen

and Jaramillo saw an opportunity to cap-ture a new audience Valley wide. Enter Spring Awakening. Jaramillo visited London and saw the smash hit musical and became infatuated. � e groundbreaking show received multiple Tony Awards and critical acclaim worldwide. Only recent-ly were the rights li� ed to allow amateurs to produce the show without consequence of copyright infringe-ment. � e racy musical is set in 1890 and the teenage characters experience controversial issues like rape, suicide, drug use, abuse, molestation and � rst love. Ultimately, it’s a coming of age story about discover-ing oneself. And though it’s set more than 120 years ago, the themes covered, both positive and negative, are relevant today more than ever.

Jaramillo pitched the show in Harlingen and was turned away because of the subject ma� er. Over-night, he revamped the original company and Prova-couture Productions [K3] launched. He took a leap of faith and secured a venue and started planning fundraisers. An appropriate theater, historic Cine El

Rey in McAllen, will play host. � e city will be one of the � rst three in Texas to debut a local production of Spring Awakening. Talent from around the Valley eagerly auditioned and rehearsals began immediately. Jaramillo and stage director, Felipe Garcia, lead rigor-ous sessions garnering disciplined, dynamic perfor-mances that will undoubtedly � oor their audiences in August. What’s become clear while observing an eight hour Saturday rehearsal is that the baker’s dozen of performers whole heartedly believe in this project.

“Music is the center of my life because it is one of 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 music [piano] as my vehicle and outlet. It shaped who I am today,” he says re� ecting on how life has led him here.

� e music, as it happens, is spectacular in Spring Awakening. � e score was composed by popular American singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik. Part pop, part rock, it’s modern and appealing. Add the riveting performances by the young, a� ractive cast directed by two highly knowledgeable and experi-enced directors and the results are electrifying.

“The standard heartbeat is 60 beats per minute, which the second hand on a watch was modeled after. My life without music would be like taking away my heartbeat.”

Provacouture Productions [K3] will debut Spring Awakening on August 20 & 21 at Cine El Rey, 311 S. 17th St., McAllen, TX 78501. Tickets can be purchased at 956.797.6363, as well as at the box offi ce on show dates.

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