Spring Awakening-Los Angeles

This musical is a reprise of a musical that was banned from the theater in Germany due to inappropriate material. Being the free nation that we are, America has seen fit to allow the musical onstage here, even though it depicts scenes of open sexuality (both homosexual and heterosexual), sexual abuse, abortion, masturbation, and suicide. The stage is set in late 19th century Germany, and the musical has toured nationwide since 2006. A new tour is kicking off in 2008, with stops through 2009 in many different parts of the world.

In the play, main characters learn the age-old answer to the question "Where do Babies come from?" after lamenting their lack of information in the first act. Interwoven into the plotline are stories about peer pressure, school problems, and home issues (parents being viewed predominantly as strict, cruel, and/or overbearing). One character is kicked out of his house following a failed school year and consequently commits suicide in a moment of grief. Another character impregnates a girl before being sent to a reform school. He escapes, only to find out that both mother and child are dead (mother from anemia apparently and child from abortion).

This musical received many Tony awards and is the focus of many different sects in the United States. Although the content may leave a lot to be desired for most viewers, critics claim the story is very touching and is a testament for those going through the rough parts of puberty all over the world. The overall somewhat dark theme aside, the story is a look back in time for many audiences who remember all too well the horrors that high school brought.