“Spring Awakening” is the rare piece of theater that tells a tale of teenage angst and sexuality that appeals to a wide audience. 

On opening night for the touring show, the audience was, surprisingly or not, composed mostly of adults.

Despite the predominance of the over-forty crowd, the show is not really for them.
Maybe “Spring Awakening” was Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s attempt to once again reach out to the younger crowd and try to draw them into the “uppity” theatre world, because this is a show about young people and for young people.

Regardless of the intended audience, the show received eight Tony Awards at the 2007 ceremony, including the coveted Best New Musical.

“Spring Awakening” is the latest show in the AT&T Performing Arts Center Lexus Broadway Series­­– what a mouthful– opened last Tuesday at the Winspear.

The flashing lights, eclectic scenery and angry music are enough to make many people question what they’ve gotten themselves into.

But its 2010 and the Broadway musical is not what it was.

“Spring Awakening” follows in the path of such musicals as “Rent,” although it details the lives of a much younger group of bohemians.

The subject matter is not for everyone. There was a reason that Frank Wedekind’s play, which the show was based on, was banned in 1890’s Germany.

The show presents everything from abortion, to homosexuality, to sexual abuse and just when you think the mood is going to lighten, it darkens once again with another heart-wrenching song.

Sheik and Sater, the atypical successful musical authors have managed to create a story that can cross generations.

The play is full of music that has energy and passion, but also contains a deep sorrow, yet somehow manages to balance the two emotions perfectly.

The energy of the show is contagious and I guarantee you’ll want to go back. The choreography, by the masterful Bill T. Jones only adds to the infectiousness of the score. You’ll want to dance and you will assuredly leave with a different attitude.

The show plays Dallas until Sunday, April 4 so there are still several opportunities to see the show.

And, for an entirely new theatre-going experience, a select group of individuals have the opportunity to sit on stage to get an even more up close and personal look at the action on stage.

For more details visit attpac.org or call 214.880.0202.