The Pennsylvania Playhouse is staging a rock musical inspired by a banned 19th century play and the PA Shakespeare Festival kicks off its community tour that brings free performances of Shakespeare plays to area parks and libraries.

The Playhouse presents “Spring Awakening” May 29 to June 14 in the Bethlehem theater.

PA Shakespeare Festival’s “Play On!” Community Tour brings free performances of “As You Like It” to libraries, parks and community centers May 29 to June 27.

“Spring Awakening” is a Tony Award-winning rock musical with music by pop musician Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater.

The musical is a coming-of-age musical based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play about teenage sexuality, rebellion and self-discovery in late 19th-century Germany. The show contrasts the repressed world of the adults with a modern rock score, exploring adolescent topics such as sexual identity, abuse and suicide.

“Spring Awakening” is set in late 19th-century in Germany when young people were silenced by the strict world of adults.

Wendla (Tahlia Colon) begins to question the changes in her body, Melchior (Joshua Bridges) challenges authority and Moritz (Gray Pescatore) struggles under the weight of school and puberty.

As friendships deepen and first love sparks between Wendla and Melchior, the students confront desire, shame and tragedy in a society that refuses to guide them.

The cast includes Hannah Cummings, Evan Hager, Tony Anthony, Connor Sternberg, Avanté Kendall, Aubrey Gore, Avery Frank, Maelissa Quinn, Will Windsor Erwin, Jan Labellarte Beatty, Denise Long, Stephen Simone, Lizzie Witek and Melo Rodriguez.

Katelyn Morgan directs the Playhouse production.

The Broadway production of “Spring Awakening” opened in 2006 and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Direction, Book, Score and Featured Actor. The cast album received a Grammy Award.

The show has scenes of violence, simulated sexual acts, nudity and suicide. Viewer discretion is advised.

“Spring Awakening,” 7:30 p.m. May 29, 30, June 5, 6, 12, 13; 6 p.m. May 31, June 7, 14, Pennsylvania Playhouse, 390 Illick’s Mill Road, Bethlehem. 610-865-6665, http://www.paplayhouse.org/

PA Shakespeare Festival’s “Play On!” Community Tour opens its fourth year of free performances with Shakespeare’s comedy “As You Like It.”

Banished from the court, Rosalind (Joanna Marie) flees to the Forest of Arden with her cousin Celia (Mariana Marcel) and the clown Touchstone (Ryan Plunkett).

Filled with wit, poetry, and music, “As You Like It” is entertainment for all ages.

The cast includes Tyler Duke, Ian Higgins, Isabella Marin, Mayrali Melendez, Teddy Novak, India Proffit and Shawn Taylor.

The show is directed by Jason King Jones, PSF artistic director, and co-directed by Kim Carson.

“As You Like It,” 11 a.m. May 29, Lower Macungie Library, 3450 Brookside Road, Lower Macungie Township; 6:30 p.m. May 31, Hills at Lockridge Park band shell, 7100 Scenic View Drive, Lower Macungie Township; 6 p.m. June 2, The Univest Performance Center, Quakertown Park, 301 W. Mill St., Quakertown; 6 p.m. June 3, Emmaus Performing Arts Pavilion, Emmaus Community Park, 1356 Shimerville Road, Emmaus; 6 p.m. June 4, Burnside Plantation, 1461 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem; 1 p.m. June 5, Emmaus Public Library, 11 E. Main St., Emmaus; noon, June 6, 14, Peddler’s Village, 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, Bucks County; 2 p.m. June 7, Levitt Pavilion, SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem; 6 p.m. June 9, Allentown Public Library, 1200 Hamilton St., Allentown; 6 p.m. June 10, Bethlehem Area Public Library, 11 W. Church St., Bethlehem; 6 p.m. June 11. Hellertown Area Library, 409 Constitution Avenue, Hellertown; 6:30 p.m. June 12, Union United Church of Christ, 5550 Route 873, Neffs; 11 a.m. June 13, Easton Farmer’s Market, 128 Larry Holmes Drive, Easton; 11 a.m. June 27, Community Day, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley.

PA Shakespeare Festival “Play On! Tour,” https://pashakespeare.org/

Auditions: Crowded Kitchen Players is holding auditions for its August and October productions, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. May 31 and 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. June 1.

Auditions for two plays, “The Perfect Fit” and “Weimar” written by Ara Barlieb will be held at 1680 Minesite Road, Allentown.

“The Perfect Fit” is a story inspired by the true-life quest of an unpublished screenwriter hoping to sign an aged and elusive Oscar-winning actor for his film. Needed are a male and two females ages 60 and up, and two males ages 25 to 50.

“The Perfect Fit” will be staged Aug. 1 to Aug. 3 and Aug. 7 to Aug. 9, Between The Lines Studio Theatre, Allentown.

“Weimar” is an irreverent costume drama set at a holiday party in Berlin, Germany, December 1932, one month before President Hindenberg names Adolf Hitler to the post of Chancellor. The show has songs written by Easton native Charlie Barnett. Needed are six males and six females of any age. Actors don’t need to be trained singers.

“Weimar” will be performed Oct. 2 to Oct.18 at The Ice House, Bethlehem.

Information: 610-704-6974; https://ckplayers.com/

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com