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 . 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 originating the role in the Broadway production at the age of 20 .