A 19th-century German reform school isn’t a typical setting for a Broadway musical. But Spring Awakening, with its profanity-laced anthems of angst and sexual rebellion, is hardly typical. The Tony Award–winning show follows the story of Melchior and Wendla, two star-crossed teenagers who seem to encounter every possible teen obstacle in their relationship: Their parents don’t understand them, their friends are abused and suicidal, and they just want to love each other. It would all make for a rather depressing night if not for the music. Whenever it’s time for a musical interlude, the characters miraculously jump into the 21st century and express themselves in contemporary teenisms. Composer Duncan Sheik and lyricist Steven Sater adapted the story from the 1891 play of the same name, but now the characters sing about “the bitch of living” to relieve their stress.

AT 7:30 P.M. AT THE KENNEDY CENTER’S EISENHOWER THEATER, 2700 F ST. NW. $25–$90. (202) 467-4600.