AT FIRST, it seems as if the stage is set for a concert: the rafter lights are lowered to provide a glowing ceiling; on both sides of the stage there are bleachers filled with audience members (somewhat like an "unplugged" gig) and the speakers are stacked just short of the teasers (the curtains that run across the top of the stage). I can't help but feel like I'm in the wrong place, since there is a band warming up onstage, and there is no set besides a back wall covered with paintings, a chair, more lights and a stunning butterfly wing.

But that is the wonder that is Spring Awakening, now playing at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. The acclaimed Broadway musical about growing up in the 1890s in a small German town is more than one thing; it is not easy to define and file away in an alphabetized sock drawer. This show is a collision of a rock spectacle and a powerhouse musical that expresses the angst and inner turmoil of growing up in an oppressive society. And just like the musical itself, the children are not just students. They are lovers, explorers, dreamers and pirates who remind the audience that no matter what the time period or the place, there were always children who felt that anxious tug when they turned from caterpillar to butterfly.

As the first performer onstage, Christy Altomare as Wendla initially lacked the vocal power necessary for "Mama Who Bore Me," but into the second song, she was able to project with the feeling of a girl who was turned around in the dark. Melchior, played by Jake Epstein, is the hero of the musical, bringing knowledge to his peers. At times, when he wasn't belting out his tunes, his voice was reminiscent of Paul Simon. Both of the leads were able to express a sense of childlike wonder during the songs "Touch Me" and "I Believe" as they held hands and explored their true feelings for the first time.

Steffi D as Ilse shined as the outsider. Her pairing with Taylor Trensch as Moritz, a tense, struggling student, was one of the best scenes of the night—rich in longing and talent.

The entire ensemble was filled with passionate expressions and unbridled enthusiasm. Angela Reed and John Wojda were chameleons, playing every adult character with distinctly different personalities.

Bill T. Jones' choreography was inspiring. As the young people wrapped their arms around their own bodies, their movements flirting between sensual and struggling, I saw butterflies, fighting to get out of their cocoons, restricted by shame and expectations. In front of the backdrop of twinkling-star lights, their body movements were just as enchanting as their voices, both calling out to be recognized. "Watch me," Melchior sang. "Watch me." With pleasure.

SPRING AWAKENING, presented by Broadway San Jose, plays Oct. 29 at 2 and 7:30pm, Oct. 30 at 8pm, Oct. 31 at 2 and 8pm and Nov. 1 at 1 and 6pm at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose. Tickets are $20–$75. (408.792.4111)

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