We are happy to announce that Jake Epstein from Degrassi: The Next Generation will take over for Kyle Riabko in the role of Melchoir on the national tour. While we are sad to see Kyle go, we wish him all the best in his exciting career. Kyle's last stop will be Philadelphia and Jake will officially kick off his run in Washington DC on July 7th.
We have exclusive video of Jake singing a song from Spring Awakening with our cast members while they were in Toronto. As many of you know, Jake was in the Toronto cast of "Dog Sees God" which our cast members saw early in their Toronto run. They decided to do a cabaret together. Here is Jake with fellow Dog Sees God members Alex Saslove and Paula Brancati (also from Degrassi) with our cast members Krystina Alabado, Sarah Hunt, Julie Benko. Anthony Lee Medina and Matt Shingledecker sing back up vocals! Enjoy this exclusive rendition of "The Dark I Know So Well:"
Here's the official press release:
Jake Epstein Joins the Cast of Spring Awakening National Tour
Degrassi star to take over lead the role of “Melchior Gabor” beginning July 7
June 2, 2009 - The producers of Spring Awakening announced today that Jake Esptein, best known for his work as “Craig” on the hit television series “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” will take over the lead role of “Melchior Gabor” in the national touring production of the Tony Award®-winning musical, beginning July 7 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
Jake Epstein
A 22-year-old, Toronto-born actor, Epstein has already been working in theatre, film and television for more than a decade. Theatre credits include Cameron MacKintosh’s Oliver! (Artful Dodger), Dog Sees God, Cinderella, Dangerous Liaisons and Our Town. Television and Film credits include leading roles on “The Zack Files,” and “Degrassi: The Next Generation (Gemini Award)” as well as appearances on “Charlie Bartlett,” “Crown Heights,” “Quints,” “Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire,” “Paradise Falls,” “Angela’s Eyes,” “Radio Free Roscoe,” “The Eleventh Hour”and “Being Erica.” He recently graduated from the prestigious National Theatre School of Canada, where he had the opportunity to work with Canada’s leading directors and artists. In addition to acting, Epstein is an accomplished songwriter and musician.
Spring Awakening is based on the 1891 Frank Wedekind play of the same name, and features an electrifying score by Duncan Sheik, book and lyrics by Steven Sater, direction by Michael Mayer, and choreography by the award-winning Bill T. Jones. The production won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical (2007).
Set against the backdrop of a repressive and provincial late 19th century Germany, Spring Awakening tells the timeless story of adolescent self-discovery and budding sexuality as seen through the eyes of three teenagers. Haunting and provocative, Spring Awakening celebrates an unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, a poignancy and a passion you will never forget.
For more information, visit SpringAwakening.com.
20 comments:
omg; i love jake epstein.
so sad that kyle will be leaving, but i'm very excited about jake.
i think i'll like him as melchior; i'd love to see him. (:
...too bad you guys already came to canada.
wow - this definitely came as a shock to me, but best of luck to kyle and looking forward to seeing jake in DC..
yay, jew jew jewlie will now have a fellow heathen and friend!
alhtough it is sad to see kyle go ):
I dont know how i feel about this. I guess i just like seeing unknowns come out of the wood work.
I don't want to even think about Kyle leaving =(
I can't imagine the tour without Kyle... but good luck to Jake of course.
I am really anxious and excited to see whats next for kyle!!!
OMG No!
Okay first of all Congrats to Jake Epstein, even though I have never met you or anything.
But i'm very very sad right now.
I was going to watch Spring Awakening on july 7th and was banking on meeting Kyle.
Is there any way that Kyle can be in D.C for a little while? Even if he doesnt perform. It's an emergency to me. I just need to meet him.
I'm so sad to see kyle go. i can't bear it.
i'm excited to see Jake Epstein though. :D
How the heck did the Guilty Ones know about this before it was officially posted? Amazing...
i'm pretty sure i'll eventually warm up to Jake.
but as of now its really hard to picture the tour without kyle.
Aww. now i cant have kyle sign my Parkdale Sessions CD! :(
I'm sad to see Kyle go because I was really hoping to see him perform again...but at the same time I'm curious to see what Jake Epstein will bring to the role.
To Kyle: We'll all miss you!
To Jake: Congrats on becoming part of the SA family!
is there a way that Kyle could be in Washington D.C for Jake's first performance?
I'd love to meet both of them.
they're bring back the jon groff hair, i see.
man, i LOVED jake in degrassi, but all this crossing over is making my head spin.
Pun, Please pass on the following message to the Tour Cast:
Dearest Touring Cast,
I would like to announce that a couple of your GUAM FANS are coming to Washington D.C.
We are Irene (from Guam) and Glynis (from Guam) :D
Both of us bought our tickets recently and we are so excited.
We will be there opening night and are psyched to watch Jake Epstein's first performance. :D
I am so sad, though, that I won't be able to see Kyle because I was really really hoping I would.
We're really excited to finally see your performance after hearing so many great reviews and watching all of your hilarious videos.
You have all greatly inspired my friends and me, and we can all honestly say that you have changed our lives forever.
You are all unbelievably awesome and talented, and we seriously can't wait to see you.
Thanks for everything.
Love always,
Irene (from Guam)
congrats jake epstein!
I'm so excited to see Jake. He's so dreamy... Who hasn't had a crush on him since he started Degrassi? That was my middle school/high school show!
I'm sad to see Kyle go, but I'm extremely excited to see Jake in this role. He is an amazing actor and will bring something new to the tour. Kyle, though, will always hold a special place in this show. Jake has some big shoes to fill, but I'm confident that he will do it.
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