Spring Awakening

Anyone who knows me understands that I have a bit of a thing when it comes to Broadway shows. By "thing," I mean slight obsession. I like to stay current with the new shows and it's always been a dream of mine to be a part of the Broadway community. So I regularly see new and interesting shows.

This past Tuesday, I saw "Spring Awakening," a new musical based on the controversial German play with music by Duncan Sheik. I was skeptical going in, unsure on whether or not Duncan Sheik could be trusted with musical theatre. Just look at what happened to Paul Simon's "The Capeman." Oh, you didn't see that one? That's ok, because I think that me and my father might have been the only ones who did see it.

To say that I enjoyed the show would be an understatement. I only wish that I was a teenager when this came out, as it would have changed my life. The play itself is based upon the 1891 play by Frank Wedekind- it was racy then and its racy now. The story is about teenagers going through life, and mainly puberty, without really understanding what is happening to themselves. When they ask their parents they don't get any answers, leaving them to figure it out on their own.



I haven't felt this strongly about a musical since I saw "Rent" over ten years ago. The story will touch anyone who was 16 and clueless which, basically, was everyone you know at one point or another. And the music? Well, let's just say that Duncan Sheik did not disappoint. I was rocking out in my chair...and I don't usually do such things in public. At least not until I've had a few drinks.

So go see "Spring Awakening" as soon as you can. I can't recommend it enough.