"Awakening" on the horizon

Or when is the launch of a national tour not really the launch of a national tour?

"Spring Awakening," the slightly scandalous 2007 Tony Award winning best musical about the, er, blossoming of a group of 19th century German students, will be at the Ahmanson Theatre October 29. Center Theatre Group will, in fact, present several musicals at the Ahmanson during the upcoming season including the previously announced "9 to 5," (opening Sept. 3) and "Minsky's," (Jan. 21-March 1, 2009) a new musical based on the film "The Night they Raided Minsky's" set in prohibition era New York and a revival of "Ain't Misbehavin'" (April 18-May 31, 2009)

Based on the Frank Wedekind play, "Spring Awakening" has a score by rocker Duncan Sheik, book and lyrics by Steven Sater and direction by Michael Mayer ("Thoroughly Modern Millie"). In New York, you can sit on the stage as those randy kids are rocking around you. That likely won't be possible at the Ahmanson.

The national tour of "Spring Awakening" is actually slated to kick off in San Francisco from whence many musical tours originate (Producer Carole Shorenstein Hayes has three theaters and a lot of clout). Except, the "Spring Awakening" tour is getting a pre tour tune-up at the newly reopened Balboa Theatre in San Diego Aug. 15-31.

So for those who don't want to wait for October, "Awakening" is a season _ and a car ride _ away.