she played the role of wendla in steven sater and duncan sheik's musical version of "spring awakening", starring in early workshops to off-broadway and finally playing the role in the broadway production at the age of 20. around the same time that the show was set to go to broadway, she was offered the role of eponine in the broadway revival of "les misérables". she decided to remain with "spring awakening", which debuted on broadway in december 2006. she was nominated for a drama desk award for her acting in "spring awakening" in the category of outstanding actress in a musical.