Ben Platt played his final performance yesterday, November 19, in the title role of hit musical Dear Evan Hansen, Playbill reports. The actor has been with the production throughout its journey from Washington, D.C.’s Arena Stage to Off-Broadway’s Second Stage and, finally, at the Music Box Theatre on Broadway.
The debut musical’s rave reviews often attributed its success to Platt’s emotional performance as Evan Hansen. His performance in the role earned him the 2017 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical as well as The Drama League’s Distinguished Performance Award, which is awarded to one artist a year and can only be won once in a lifetime. Platt, 24, was the youngest actor to receive the award.
Now, Platt says he plans to branch out into music, television, and film. He already signed a recording contract with Atlantic Records and is involved in a TV project that he’s “not at liberty to discuss, but that’s going to be really great and wonderful, that [he’s] looking forward to”.
Ben posted the following message about leaving the role to his Twitter account just before his last show:
https://twitter.com/BenSPLATT/status/932314419627020288
Upon Platt’s departure, The Real O’Neals’ Noah Galvin will step into the role beginning November 21, followed by Taylor Trensch of Hello, Dolly! who will take over beginning mid-January 2018.
Original cast members Laura Dreyfuss, Tony winner Rachel Bay Jones, Jennifer Laura Thompson, Tony nominee Mike Faist, Michael Park, and Will Roland have all extended their contracts and will remain with the musical through May 2018. Kristolyn Lloyd will depart in March.
Dear Evan Hansen grossed over $65 million this year to sold-out shows; in a Broadway culture that relies increasingly on casting for sales, how will the success of the show will fare post-Platt?
