"Spring Awakening" may be set in the late 19th century, but its musical style is definitely grounded in modern rock and pop.

You often see the tag line "A new musical." It usually means newly made but not necessarily originally conceived.

"Spring Awakening," which opened Wednesday at the Sacramento Community Center, more than delivers on the boast.

The multiple 2007 Tony Award winner vaulted into town melding a contemporary rock musical with strikingly creative stagecraft to create a truly "new musical" experience.

The freshness of the production underlines the frankness of the potent content, which is based on an 1891 German play by Frank Wedekind. Wedekind's play was initially banned from production because of its many sexual elements, and this adaptation doesn't shy away from that material.

The musical also leaves the setting in the late 19th century, though the story's themes are really timeless. Children will always grow into young adults who suddenly become aware of their changing bodies.