Spring Awakening: Hunter Parrish assumed the role of Melchior on 11 Aug, a week earlier then announced

Hunter Parrish made his Broadway debut on 11 Aug 2008, a week earlier then originally announced, when he assumed the lead male role of 'Melchior' in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Spring Awakening.

Parrish assumed the role from Kyle Riabko who played his final performance on 2 Aug 2008. Riabko left the Broadway production to head the cast of the National Tour of Spring Awakening.

The role of 'Melchior' was shared by two understudies Jesse Swenson and Matt Doyle during the interregnum, which was expected to last until the 18 Aug 2008, the date that Parrish was originally scheduled to join the cast.

Parrish can currently be seen as 'Silas', the rabble-rousing older son of Mary-Louise Parker on the highly acclaimed Showtime series 'Weeds,' now in its fourth season.

�I have always hoped that my passion for the theatre would eventually lead me to Broadway,� says Parrish. Spring Awakening is a truly one-of-a-kind show with its timeless story, commanding music and innovative imagery. I am elated to have the opportunity to become a part of it.�

A statement from the producers says, �We are thrilled to have Hunter Parrish join the cast and welcome him to the Spring Awakening family. We knew Hunter is a wonderful actor, the surprise is that he is also a terrific singer. He will be a great asset to the company.�

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 Aug 2008.

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 Kyle Riabko (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).

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.