Brandon Uranowitz would've been better as Leo Frank — Page 2

binau said: "I thought it was an incredible, Tony-winning performance and the quality of his vocals and acting up there with any of my favourite greats (eg Bernadette Peters or Donna Murphy). I know people like to hate on him all the time and I guess I really have only enjoyed his work in DEH and Parade but I do think there is something very special there. He has that X factor that’s hard to describe or identify. Where it feels he is truly transcending and getting lost in those roles and you don’t feel that you are watching someone act. You feel you are watching the character. It’s a whole different league to insert whatever actor who may be on paper more brilliant in every way but just doesn’t bring what Ben brings."

I don't like to hate on Ben Platt at all

I actually really love Ben Platt

Miscast was absolutely the wrong word but I really do think Brandon Uranowitz could've played Leo Frank better

I think another thing that contributes to it is that when I see Platt I almost always just see Evan Hansen.

He's so strongly associated with that role that it's hard to disconnect him from it.

There are some actors like Christian Borle who have also been strongly associated with specific roles in their careers and have won or been nominated for multiple Tonys who are just more able to vary the type of performance they put on.



I think Ben Platt is an incredible singer and a rather good actor on paper, but I really don't think he's a very good character actor.

I don't see him disappearing into a role.

I mean, Parade is definitely a huge improvement for him, but he often sticks out hard as "Ben Platt" rather than as the character he's playing.

Now, of course, I am biased because, again, I really really adore Dear Evan Hansen, so it could just be because of that.

Ben Platt is actually rather good as Leo Frank but I kinda said that in the first line

Perhaps I need to re title the subject

spicemonkey said: "I liked Ben Platt as Leo Frank, but somehow I still saw Evan Hansen from his acting (?)

But when I saw Max Chernin in the role, I was blown away.

I remember someone said if Parade won best revival, they would extend to the end of the year. I hope they win and extend. I wanna see Max play Leo Frank again and again and again"

Can you say more about Chernin's performance? I was curious but didn't make it.

There is no chance in hell this would have made it to Broadway with Brandon Uranowitz in the starring role. Ben Platt is pretty much the sole reason it moved.