One of the more controversial productions to hit Lincoln’s Black Box Theater in recent years is being noted for the heavy subject matter around which “Spring Awakening” builds its story. The play closed in March, and received both positive and negative reviews from audiences who were unaccustomed to the topics discussed in the play.

The musical begins with a song sung by Wendla, a young girl living in a community where the taboo topics of sex and pregnancy are rarely mentioned. This lack of sexual education, and the sexually repressive teachings of their community lead the teens to find alternative outlets for emotions they fully do not understand. Other topics like abuse and suicide are also explored in the play, which ends in tragedy as two of the main characters die: Wendla of an implied failed abortion, and Moritz of suicide.

Fans of theater will not be disappointed, however, to learn that there will be one final play before the end of the school year. While death is a matter touched upon in this new play as well, this production is expected to be a much lighter one than its predecessor. “She Kills Monsters” will open on May 11  after missing its original scheduled release.

This week, the annual Steps show will also be held at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. Anyone who wishes to see the show can buy tickets for Friday the 21st, or one of the two shows being held on Saturday the 22nd. The dance department, the largest performing arts department at Lincoln, estimates that approximately 360 dancers are a part of this year’s show. Money raised by a department-wide “Snap! Raise” fundraiser earlier this year helped the department raise a , so some of the concerns about funding the show have been eased. This year is only the second year in which the show will be hosted at this venue, but the larger dressing area for dancers along with comfortable seating for audience members have been just a few of the reasons behind the decision to remain with the Plaza.

In the coming weeks, students should also look out for the One-Act Play Fest, which will be coming up in May. Students have already begun writing their original content for the fest, and the line-up for each night will be slightly different, so it’s a new show every time! End-of-the-year concerts will also be held beginning next month. Dates for these events have yet to be released online.

With testing just around the corner, an easy way to de-stress and relax is to head to one of the many performances offered by Lincoln students. Attend to support the arts and witness these talented LHS performers in action!