Making its premiere in Charlotte last year, Broadway’s Spring Awakening returns for a one-night-only performance on Sunday, March 13. A winner of eight Tony Awards in 2007, the rockin’ adaptation of Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play is brought to life through Steven Sater’s book/lyrics and music by Duncan Sheik (You may remember his big radio-friendly hit “Barely Breathing.”). Taking a direct approach to loaded adolescent crises (involving sexuality, homosexuality, morality, abortion, rape, child abuse and suicide), the musical contains adult language (for instance, the song “Totally Fucked”) and content (bare butts, breasts and sexual satisfactions). As shocking as it is disturbing, this production serves as a powerful and dramatic depiction of the path to adulthood. $20 and up. 7 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org. – Anita Overcash
This article appears in Mar 8-14, 2011.
