I've been in NYC for a couple days now and have been taking in some new (or new to me) shows.
I saw
Spring Awakening last night, the winner of the Best Musical Tony this year. It was composed by 90s alt-rocker Duncan Sheik and is about a group of teens and their respective sexual awakenings in 19th century Germany (it was based on a play of the same title). I found it interesting in that it was kind of antithetical as a musical; it consisted of a young, energetic and good-looking (early 20s) cast belting out a pseudo-punk score (think "punk" made palatable for a broadway audience) and kind of figuratively telling a story in broad impressionistic strokes through the lyrics. At times it felt like it was trying too hard to be "edgy" and different (like the odd stylistic choice of having the characters perform the major numbers in "rock concert" style complete with hand-held microphones) but overall I enjoyed it, there was some good talent on display and the tunes were agreeable enough.
Here's a music video for "The Bitch of Living" Scene: