Spring Awakening: Gerard Canonico plays 'Mortiz.' Understudies play 'Melchoir' until Hunter Parrish joins cast

Original ensemble member Gerard Canonico will play the role of 'Moritz' from 4 Aug 2008 in the Broadway musical Spring Awakening, assuming the role from Blake Bashoff, in the role created on Broadway by John Gallagher Jr.

On the same evening understudies Jesse Swenson and Matt Doyle will temporarily alternate the role of 'Melchior,' until the previously announced Hunter Parrish joins the cast on 18 Aug 2008. Parrish assumes the role from Kyle Riabko, in the role created on Broadway by Jonathan Groff.

Both Blake Bashoff and Kyle Riabko played their final performances in the Broadway production on 2 Aug 2008, inorder to head the cast in the show's upcoming National tour production.

Canonico, who is playing his first leading role on Broadway, has previously appeared on Broadway in 'Les Miserables,' and 'A Christmas Carol.' His Off-Broadway credits include 'The Prince and the Pauper' and 'Children's Letters to God.'

Spring Awakening producers said, "We have been very proud to have Gerard in our ensemble, and now are thrilled he is our newest Moritz. We also wish to thank Blake Bashoff for his superb work in the Broadway company, and look forward to his terrific Moritz being seen by audiences across the country."

Spring Awakening opened on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on 10 Dec 2006, following previews from 17 Nov 2006. The show is currently booking through to the 3 Jan 2009.

The musical opened to excellent reviews: "A palpable hit." (New York Theatre Guide); "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).

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 ***Jesse Swenson and Matt Doyle who alternate the role of Melchior Gabo, Alexandra Socha (Wendla Bergman), Gerard Canonico (Mortiz), Skylar Astin (Georg), Lilli Cooper (Martha), Blake Daniel (Ernst), Brian Charles Johnson (Otto), Emma Hunton (Ilse), Phoebe Strole (Anna), Jonathan B. Wright (Hanschen), Remy Zaken (Thea), Glenn Fleshler (Male Adult characters), Christine Estabrook (Female Adult Characters).
***Note: Hunter Parrish assumes the role of Melchior Gabo from 18 Aug 2008.

The musical's creative team features set design by Christine Jones, 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.

Spring Awakening had its world premiere at the off-Broadway Atlantic Theatre where it ran from 15 Jun - 6 Aug 2006.