Newcomers Kyle Riabko and Alexandra Socha Land Leading Roles in Spring Awakening

Two Broadway newcomers will take on the lead roles in Spring Awakening later this month after original cast members Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele play their final performance in the Tony-winning musical on May 18. Canadian recording artist Kyle Riabko will assume the role of Melchior on May 23, with current ensemble member Alexandra Socha moving up to the role of Wendla on May 20.

"I am thrilled to be a part of such an inspiring piece, with such an uber-talented cast," Riabko said in a statement. "I'm going to go to work every day with my head held high, because I am extremely proud of everything the show stands for. This musical is an actor/singer's dream!" Riabko's solo album, Before I Speak, was released in April 2005 on Columbia Records. Since its release, he's toured alongside artists like John Mayer, Maroon 5 and B.B. King.

Socha landed her ensemble role in Spring Awakening by attending an open call when she was 17. "To go from a Broadway debut in an amazing ensemble to playing a leading role in one year is incredible and humbling," she said. "I'm so honored!"

Spring Awakening currently also stars Skylar Astin as Georg, Blake Bashoff as Moritz, Lilli Cooper as Martha, Blake Daniel as Ernst, Christine Estabrook as Adult Women, Glenn Fleshler as Adult Men, Emma Hunton as Ilse, Brian Charles Johnson as Otto, Krist, Phoebe Strole as Anna, Jonathan B. Wright as Hanschen and Remy Zaken as Thea.