Spring Awakening's Lea Michele Drops Out of Les Miz Revival

Lea Michele, who had been cast as Eponine in the forthcoming Broadway revival of Les Miserables, has dropped out of the production, a spokesperson confirmed. Her decision opens the way for her to remain with the Broadway-bound company of Spring Awakening, in which she played the leading role of Wendla.

Michele's romantic partner in Spring Awakening, Jonathan Groff, has also backed out of a fall revival: He had been announced to play Jesus in Godspell at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Instead, he will recreate the role of Melchior in the Duncan Sheik/Steven Sater coming-of-age musical.

As previously reported, the producers of Spring Awakening announced that Michael Mayer's production would move to Broadway this season after its successful summertime run at off-Broadway's Atlantic Theater Company. No timetable or theater has been set.

Les Miserables is set to begin previews on October 24, with an official opening date of November 9 at the Broadhurst Theatre. The role of Eponine is expected to be recast in the next two weeks, according to the production spokesperson.