Spring Awakening: Newcomer Emma Hunton replaces original cast member Lauren Pritchard in the role of Ilse

Newcomer Emma Hunton makes her Broadway debut this evening (19 Feb 2008) in the eight-time Tony Award-winning Spring Awakening when she assumes the role of 'Ilse' from original cast member Lauren Pritchard.

Sixteen year old Emma Hunton began her theatrical career when she was eight years old, when she was cast to play the the role of 'young Cossette' in the touring production of 'Les Miserables'. Hunton has co-starred with Rita Wilson in the world premiere of 'Distracted' which ran at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles from 15 Mar - 29 Apr 2007. On camera she played the role of Becca in the 2005 movie 'Happy Endings'

"I'm excited and scared at the same time," Bunton said in a statement, "but I can't wait to go on. When I first heard the music, I knew I was listening to something special, so to be part of this is thrilling. And I'm so fortunate to be making my Broadway debut working with such a welcoming and talented cast."

Original cast member Lauren Pritchard who originated the role of 'Ilse', both on Broadway and off-Broadway, is leaving the production to work on her forthcoming album.

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 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 Tony nominee Jonathan Groff (Melchior) as well as Lea Michele (Wendla), Blake Bashoff (Moritz), Skylar Astin (Georg), Lilli Cooper (Martha), Blake Daniel (Ernst), Brian Charles Johnson (Otto), Phoebe Strole (Anna), Jonathan B. Wright (Hanschen), Remy Zaken (Thea) Kate Burton (Adult Women) and Glenn Fleshler (Adult Men).

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.

Spring Awakening won eight 2007 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Book, Best Score and Best Choreography. The Broadway production of Spring Awakening is produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Ira Pittelman, Tom Hulce and the Atlanta Theatre Company.