An Old Play With New Music by Duncan Sheik, et al.

I recently discovered that Duncan Sheik, one of my favorite singer/songwriters, has written the music for an adaptation of "Spring Awakening," which has been running off-Broadway and will soon set-up shop at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre. The 1891 play by German writer Frank Wedekind was banned in Europe for many years for its frank discussion of young sexuality and puberty.

In New York, you're apt to find pop songwriters lending their catalogues to Broadway shows left and right. Consider Billy Joel's "Movin' Out," Queen's "We Will Rock You," or ABBA's "Mamma Mia," among others. These are loose story-lines and artful choreography draped over some of the best pop/rock of our time. But in terms of music, the artists simply signed over the licenses in the hopes of cashing in on the popularity of their songs, repackaged.

Mr. Sheik however, with his long-time collaborator Steven Sater (who wrote the book and lyrics for the musical) seems to have brought something fresh to musical theater, and their success is apparent, both commercially and critically. Meanwhile, Sheik's newest pop album "White Limousine" is fantastic, and he continues to tour as "Spring" makes its move to the Great White Way.