Lea Michele Remembers Duncan Sheik: Death Of 'Spring Awakening' Composer "Does Not Seem Real"
News Source
β’Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:42:30 +0000
π° What Happened
Singer and composer Duncan Sheik has died at age 56. He wrote the music for the hit Broadway musical Spring Awakening. Actress Lea Michele paid tribute to him on Instagram.
She said she met Sheik when she was 14, before her first audition. She listened to a tape of him singing songs from the show outside her middle school. She wrote that his death "does not seem real" and thanked him for everything he gave them. She also sent love to his family.
π The Backstory
Spring Awakening began in workshops and opened Off Broadway in 2006. It moved to Broadway the same year. Michele played the lead, Wendla, alongside Jonathan Groff and John Gallagher Jr. All three were unknown then, and the show made their careers.
Sheik was also known for his 1996 hit song "Barely Breathing". Spring Awakening won many awards, including Tonys. It dealt with teenage sexuality, abuse and mental health, topics rarely shown on Broadway. Sheik had been hospitalised in critical but stable condition weeks before his death.
π― Why It Matters
Spring Awakening changed musical theatre and launched big careers. Fans who grew up with the show feel the loss of its creator.
Singer and composer Duncan Sheik has died at age 56. He wrote the music for the hit Broadway musical Spring Awakening. Actress Lea Michele paid tribute to him on Instagram.
She said she met Sheik when she was 14, before her first audition. She listened to a tape of him singing songs from the show outside her middle school. She wrote that his death "does not seem real" and thanked him for everything he gave them. She also sent love to his family.
Spring Awakening began in workshops and opened Off Broadway in 2006. It moved to Broadway the same year. Michele played the lead, Wendla, alongside Jonathan Groff and John Gallagher Jr. All three were unknown then, and the show made their careers.
Sheik was also known for his 1996 hit song "Barely Breathing". Spring Awakening won many awards, including Tonys. It dealt with teenage sexuality, abuse and mental health, topics rarely shown on Broadway. Sheik had been hospitalised in critical but stable condition weeks before his death.
Spring Awakening changed musical theatre and launched big careers. Fans who grew up with the show feel the loss of its creator.