Saw this last Thursday night (third time total - early Jan. on b'way and once at Second Stages) and thought it was worth noting a few things that struck me. First is that Ben Platt's performance has - at least based on Thursday night - only grown in intensity. His emotional commitment on stage is truly staggering, and his vocal power has not diminished in any way. To avoid spoilers, I'll just say his lead-in to "You Will be Found" was gripping, and "Words Fail" went beyond gripping to almost indescribable (apologies - I'm not usually prone to hyperbole). Second, familiarity with the score absolutely did not diminish its impact - I was just as emotionally affected by the show, especially the end of the second act, as I was before listening to the cast album over and over. I'm sure there are plenty of examples of others, but I was really struck by how so many of the songs successfully heighten the emotion of the characters or action in a given moment, rather than merely extend a moment musically (or worse, wind up diminishing it) or offer commentary. Even the less compelling songs feel (to me) like direct, unfiltered emotional expression, yet are still artful, rather than embellishment or filler. Frankly, to hit us with "Waving through a Window" followed by "For Forever" in Act I, and then follow up "Words Fail" with "So Big, So Small" in Act II is almost unfair - the sniffing and half-suppressed sobs from the audience are more than I've ever heard in a theater. Finally, the audience's appreciation for this show, and of course (and maybe in particular) for Ben Platt, is something to experience. I can't recall such sustained enthusiasm and applause from beginning to end - it was almost like a rock concert.
This morning I went on telecharge, and saw that a regularly priced orchestra seat was available. I grabbed it and saw DEH tonight. I have seen Come From Away and Great Comet. But as much as I appreciated those shows, I will say that if DEH loses the Tony for Best Musical it will be a travesty. Truly one of the most moving, emotional nights I've ever experienced in a theater.