Bashoff & Burton Join 'Spring Awakening,' Groff & Michele Extend

Tony-nominated and Emmy Award-winning actress Kate Burton and TV-actor Blake Bashoff, currently featured in the ABC-TV's hit series, "Lost," will join the cast of the eight-time Tony Award-winning musical Spring Awakening.

Burton joins the cast in the role of "The Adult Women" for a limited time, Friday, December 21 through Sunday, March 2, 2008.  Bashoff joins the cast in the role of "Moritz" on Tuesday, December 18, 2007.

In addition, it was announced that Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff will extend their contracts for six months through May 18, 2008.  Michele, who stars as "Wendla," was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for her performance. Groff, who stars as "Melchior," was nominated for a Tony Award, a Drama Desk Award and a Drama League Award for his performance.

Kate Burton is one of only three actors ever to be nominated for two Tony Awards in the same year, having won the dual honor in 2002 with her performances in Hedda Gabler and The Elephant Man.  She has also appeared on Broadway in The Constant Wife, An American Daughter, Company, Jake's Women, Some Americans Abroad and Present Laughter. Her screen credits include Celebrity, Ice Storm, First Wives Club and August.  She won an Emmy Award for her performance in the ABC film, "Notes for My Daughter," and was nominated for Emmys in 2006 and 2007 for her recurring role in "Grey's Anatomy." Burton is familiar with Spring Awakening, having performed the material at a 2005 edition of the American Songbook series at Lincoln Center.

Blake Bashoff is making his Broadway debut in Spring Awakening.  He can currently be seen in the hit ABC-TV series, "Lost," as 'Karl,' one of the young Others. Prior to that he had recurring roles on "Judging Amy" and "One Tree Hill." He won the 'Young Artist Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film' for his role in "Big Bully."

Through the music of Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics of Steven Sater, Spring Awakening follows a group of teenagers through the joyous and painful adventure of growing up.  With direction by Michael Mayer and choreography by Bill T. Jones, the musical won eight 2007 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Book, Best Score and Best Choreography.  The show also won four Drama Desk Award including Outstanding Musical.

Spring Awakening plays at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, 230 West 49th Street, running Tuesdays at 7pm, Wednesdays through Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm and 7pm.  For more information and tickets, log onto www.springawakening.com or www.telecharge.com or call Telecharge at (212) 239-6200 or (800) 432-7250.

Photo: Blake Bashoff