STAGE LUST

The rock musical has never managed to really rock, so big-money producers deserve recognition for bumping Duncan Sheik’s indie-ish chamber-rock musical Spring Awakening up from Off-Broadway to Broadway in 2006. Musical theater can nail the energy and relative fussiness of Sheik’s pop — and it not only did so but also made Sheik’s music richer and more powerful (a trick Broadway couldn’t pull off with, say, Tommy). The gospel of the opening “Mama Who Bore Me” and the all-girl singalong fun of “My Junk” mark impressive growth since Sheik’s radio hit “Barely Breathing.” A haunted, horny coming-of-age story based on Frank Wedekind’s 1891 play of the same name, Spring Awakening has already enjoyed a long run, a thrilling cast album, a basket of Tonys, and now this touring company — probably the first ever to work this many bitches and fucks into a Music Hall show (301 West 13th Street). The curtain rises at 8 tonight, with additional performance through October 18. Call 800-982-2787 or visit the Music Hall box office for tickets.

Tue., Oct. 13, 8 p.m.; Wed., Oct. 14, 8 p.m.; Thu., Oct. 15, 8 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 16, 8 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 17, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 18, 1 & 6:30 p.m., 2009