Broadway’s most talked about new musical and the biggest Tony winner in years tells the story of three teenagers coming of age in oppressive 19th century Germany. It is a story of first love, lasting regrets, and a celebration of the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood.

The show received eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, raves from critics and audiences in over 20 countries around the world, and was named “the most important musical of the decade” by the New York Times.  Recently, the Denver Post called the Grammy-winning indie rock score by Duncan Sheik “the best original score since West Side Story.

I Am Young Detroit had the opportunity to catch the must-see musical on opening night at the Fisher. Here are our top 3 reasons you should check it out while it’s in the D (and not with your mama!).

1.This  aint your mama’s musical.

As upbeat as it sounds, Spring Awakening is no stereotypical fluff show. Instead of the usual boy meets girl, faces challenge, then overcomes said challenge with a musical number–this musical deals with deep, dark subject matter; abuse, suicide, and unplanned pregnancy. It’s about angst-ridden teens whose hormones have “awakened” in the 1890s, a time when parents and teachers encourage their repression. We went in expecting a watered down version of the Dead Poets Society, and instead saw performances that would make even the racy post-tween Gossip Girl set blush.

2. The raw talent, music and energy.

IAYD was blown away by the edgy, powerful performances which provided a striking contrast against the 19th century backdrop.

Check out the “The Bitch of Living” to see for yourself:

3. Katie Manganello Loved It!

Who? you ask. Why, our Spring Awakening contest winner of course!

Katie (who actually did bring her mama) on her experience at Spring Awakening:

“Winning tickets to opening night of Spring Awakening was amazing and it just got better from there. While trying to find the entrance to the parking lot I spotted cast members going in the building and saw them grabbing food from the deli before heading backstage.

I went to the box office to get the tickets and the guy there made an awesome night even better with eight words “do you want to upgrade to stage seats?” I turned to my mom, who hadn’t seen SA before and she said “it’s your choice.” That was an easy decision to make!

Sitting on the stage with two of the ensemble members dressed in regular street clothes and the rest of the cast basically rotating who was in the other seats near us, was an amazing experience. Being surrounded by the music and the cast it felt like I was being let in on this amazing secret.

There is so much to take in with the set dressing and the lighting and the pure energy that comes off the actors and musicians, I wish I could have taken a photo of the set because it is an amazing sight.

I don’t think I ever would have been able to have this experience if I hadn’t won the tickets”.

NOW PLAYING: Spring Awakening at the Fisher Theatre April 20th-May 9th

Regular tickets range from just $25-$80. For more info, visit: http://www.broadwayindetroit.com/engine.cfm?i=64 or www.springawakening.com.