Key Opening Date and Quick Facts
Spring Awakening opened on Broadway on December 10, 2006 at the Booth Theatre and closed on January 18, 2009, after 809 regular performances and 23 previews. This timeline captures the definitive opening while noting how to verify ongoing or revival status, because the show has seen intermittent returns and concert events. Below, we break down milestones, production history, and trusted sources so you can confirm dates accurately.
Production Timeline and Milestones
Understanding when Spring Awakening opened on Broadway requires looking at the show’s path from workshop to Tony-winning phenomenon. The timeline below highlights key dates, transfers, and revivals relevant to researchers, journalists, and general readers seeking clarity and verifiable references.
Off-Broadway and Pre-Broadway Development
Before its Broadway bow, Spring Awakening was workshopped and refined off-Broadway, allowing the creative team to shape the controversial score and book. Early developmental stages inform why the eventual Broadway opening felt both urgent and polished.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Early workshops (circa 2005–2006) | Development and revisions | Refined music, book, and thematic clarity |
| December 10, 2006 | Broadway opening at Booth Theatre | Official public launch; 809 performances to January 18, 2009 |
| 2007–2008 | Tony Award wins, cast recordings, international transfers | Cultural impact and commercial reach beyond New York |
Original Broadway Run Details
The original Broadway production defined how critics and audiences discuss the show’s legacy. Knowing exact dates, venues, and leadership helps anchor later discussions of revivals, tours, and adaptations.
- Opening Night: December 10, 2006
- Venue: Booth Theatre (121 West 45th Street, New York, NY)
- Total performances: 809 regular performances plus 23 previews
- Final performance: January 18, 2009
- Creative team included Steven Sater (book), Duncan Sheik (music), and Michael Mayer (direction)
Later Productions and Returns
Spring Awakening has appeared in concert and staged formats after its original close, which means the answer to “when did Spring Awakening open on Broadway” can depend on context. Below are notable returns and formats, useful for distinguishing original runs from later events.
Concert and Revival Events
| Date or Period | Event | Type and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Encores! Concert | Concert staging; not a full revival |
| 2024 | Broadway anniversary concert | Commemorative performance; limited run |
National and International Tours
Multiple tours and international productions have used the Spring Awakening title, often with slight casting, staging, or translation changes. These are distinct from the Broadway production but stem from the same source material and creative origins.
How to Verify Current Status
Because the show has returned in concert and scaled formats, confirming whether there is an active Broadway production on any given date matters for travelers, researchers, and journalists. Use these trusted signals to verify status quickly and accurately.
Quick Verification Checklist
| Check | What to Look For | Trusted Source |
|---|---|---|
| Official Broadway website | Active listing, dates, venue | Playbill, Broadway.com |
| Ticket availability | On-sale calendars, pricing tiers | Telecharge, TodayTix |
| Press or producer announcements | Renewals, casts, changes | The New York Times, Playbill |
Why Dates and Context Matter
Spring Awakening reshaped musical theatre with its frank storytelling and contemporary rock score. Knowing when it opened on Broadway anchors its influence in real time, showing how a controversial piece found mainstream success and sustained runs. Correct dates help avoid confusion with tours, high school editions, and concert versions, which appear frequently in different regions and formats.
Summary and Key Takeaways
The original Broadway opening occurred on December 10, 2006, with the Booth Theatre as its home through January 18, 2009. Later concerts and anniversary events can create the impression of a new Broadway opening, so it is best to check current listings to confirm status. By using reliable sources and understanding production history, you can communicate accurate information about when Spring Awakening opened and how to verify its presence today.