Kate Burton gets 'Spring Awakening'

Thesp to star in musical's female roles

By GORDON COX

Kate Burton is set for a return to "Spring Awakening" later this month, while young thesp Blake Bashoff will step into the "Spring" role originated by Tony-winner John Gallagher Jr.

Burton ("Grey Anatomy"), who appeared in a developmental incarnation of "Spring," plays the musical's adult female roles starting Dec. 21, taking over for Christine Estabrook.

Bashoff ("Lost," "One Tree Hill") begins perfs as tormented teen Moritz Dec. 18. Gallagher won a 2007 Tony for the part, which he originated in the show's initial Off Broadway run at the Atlantic in 2006.

The two leads of "Spring," Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele, have signed on to the production for an additional six months.