Spring Awakening: Blake Bashoff makes his Broadway debut

As previously announced, Blake Bashoff makes his Broadway debut this evening (18 Dec 2007) in the musical Spring Awakening when he assumes the role of 'Mortiz' from John Gallagher, Jr,. Gallagher, who won the 2007 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of 'Mortiz,' played his final performance on 16 Dec 2007.

Blake Bashoff is known to TV audiences for his guest appearances as 'Karl' in the ongoing ABC series 'Lost,' and for his portrayal of the character 'Eric Black' in the CBS series 'Judging Amy ' (1999 - 2005.)

On 21 Dec 2007 Kate Burton will replace Christine Estabrook in portraying all the adult female characters in the musical. Burtin has been nominated three times for Tony Awards: 'The Constant Wife' (2005 revival), 'The Elephant Man' (2002 revival) and 'Hedda Gabbler' (2001 revival).

Spring Awakening opened on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on 10 Dec 2006, following previews from 17 Nov 2006. The show is booking to the 30 Mar 2008.

The musical opened to excellent reviews: "If Broadway audiences are lucky, it will run for many seasons to come." (New York Daily News); "This is a must-see musical" (New York Post); "A gorgeous score. A passionate story. A charismatic production." (Sar-Ledger); "It is sexy, original and beautifully crafted." (Journal News); "A truly original new musical like 'Spring Awakening' is exhilarating." (Variety); "A palpable hit." (New York Theatre Guide).

Spring Awakening is adapted from Frank Wedekind's controversial masterpiece about a dozen young people and how they make their way through the thrilling, complicated, confusing and mysterious time of their sexual awakening.

Directed by Michael Mayer and choreographed by Bill T. Jones, Spring Awakening has music by Duncan Sheik, book and lyrics by Steven Sater.

The cast currently features Jonathan Groff (Melchior Gabor), Lea Michele (Wendla Bergman), John Gallagher, Jr. (Mortiz), Skylar Astin (Georg), Lilli Cooper (Martha), Gideon Glick (Ernst), Brian Johnson (Otto), Lauren Pritchard (Ilse), Phoebe Strole (Anna), Jonathan B. Wright (Hanschen), and Remy Zaken (Thea), Stephen Spinella (Male Adult characters) and Christine Estabrook (Female Adult Characters).

Spring Awakening had its world premiere at the off-Broadway Atlantic Theatre (15 Jun - 6 Aug 2006). With the exception of Stephen Spinella and Christine Estabrook, the Off- Broadway cast transferred with the production when it moved to Broadway.

The Broadway show also has the same creative team as the earlier Atlantic Theatre production: Set design by Christine Jones, with costumes by Susan Hilferty and lighting by Kevin Adams.

The Broadway production of Spring Awakening is produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Ira Pittelman, Tom Hulce and the Atlanta Theatre Company.