Swing Joined: 6/12/17
I just wanted to post here and say that I saw Colton Ryan perform as Evan in today's matinee and thought he did a PHENOMENAL job. It was my third time seeing the show and I took my dad, who was really looking forward to seeing Ben Platt perform. When we heard the news that he would be out, we were both disappointed but couldn't switch our tickets so we decided to make the best of it. I LOVE Ben and think he's insanely talented, not to mention PERFECT for the part, but I will say that seeing it with Colton as Evan in no way changed how great the show was. Not once did I wish that Ben was playing the part instead -- I was too wrapped up in enjoying Colton's performance.
Just wanted to put this out there for anybody reading this thread who is nervous about Ben being absent when they see the show, or is considering selling/exchanging their tickets to see him. Yes, it's disappointing to learn that the big-name lead is going to be out, but in this case it really didn't matter. I highly recommend giving Colton a shot if you have the opportunity to! I couldn't be happier that I did, plus it was so interesting as a DEH fan to observe some of the little nuanced details that Ben and Colton did differently. Bottom line: they are both incredibly talented performers and they will both give beautiful performances!
Broadway Star Joined: 5/19/17
broadwaybaby2123 said: "I just wanted to post here and say that I saw Colton Ryan perform as Evan in today's matinee and thought he did a PHENOMENAL job. It was my third time seeing the show and I took my dad, who was really looking forward to seeing Ben Platt perform. When we heard the news that he would be out, we were both disappointed but couldn't switch our tickets so we decided to make the best of it. I LOVE Ben and think he's insanely talented, not to mention PERFECT for the part, but I will say that seeing it with Colton as Evan in no way changed how great the show was. Not once did I wish that Ben was playing the part instead -- I was too wrapped up in enjoying Colton's performance.
Just wanted to put this out there for anybody reading this thread who is nervous about Ben being absent when they see the show, or is considering selling/exchanging their tickets to see him. Yes, it's disappointing to learn that the big-name lead is going to be out, but in this case it really didn't matter. I highly recommend giving Colton a shot if you have the opportunity to! I couldn't be happier that I did, plus it was so interesting as a DEH fan to observe some of the little nuanced details that Ben and Colton did differently. Bottom line: they are both incredibly talented performers and they will both give beautiful performances!
"
Would love to hear about a few things about their different takes on the role if you have time!
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/28/15
This happened tonight. Was happy to see him smile.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVyjBKRD1Br/?taken-by=bensplatt
Leading Actor Joined: 8/9/14
Ben Platt was in tonight for the Actor's Fund performance (which was also recorded for the TOFT archive).
His voice still sounded like it was straining a little in songs like "For Forever," but then there were moments like "Words Fail" or the talk with Heidi prior to "So Big/So Small" that were as explosive as I've ever seen (multiple visits since DC), so it seemed to depend on what part of his voice he was using.
He was in good spirits at curtain call and you could tell he was glad to have performed for The Actor's Fund.
Swing Joined: 6/12/17
greenifyme2 said: "broadwaybaby2123 said: "I just wanted to post here and say that I saw Colton Ryan perform as Evan in today's matinee and thought he did a PHENOMENAL job. It was my third time seeing the show and I took my dad, who was really looking forward to seeing Ben Platt perform. When we heard the news that he would be out, we were both disappointed but couldn't switch our tickets so we decided to make the best of it. I LOVE Ben and think he's insanely talented, not to mention PERFECT for the part, but I will say that seeing it with Colton as Evan in no way changed how great the show was. Not once did I wish that Ben was playing the part instead -- I was too wrapped up in enjoying Colton's performance.
Just wanted to put this out there for anybody reading this thread who is nervous about Ben being absent when they see the show, or is considering selling/exchanging their tickets to see him. Yes, it's disappointing to learn that the big-name lead is going to be out, but in this case it really didn't matter. I highly recommend giving Colton a shot if you have the opportunity to! I couldn't be happier that I did, plus it was so interesting as a DEH fan to observe some of the little nuanced details that Ben and Colton did differently. Bottom line: they are both incredibly talented performers and they will both give beautiful performances!
"
Would love to hear about a few things about their different takes on the role if you have time!
"
If you have specific questions, PM me! In general, they were both surprisingly similar -- I sort of thought that I'd be seeing two really different versions of 'Evan Hansen' and that wasn't the case, Colton does a really good job at replicating the things Ben is known for being great at (things like posture, tics, word inflections). Colton did add some new tics that Ben doesn't do, and I noticed that his take on Evan's voice is less fast-paced and more of a stutter (but not in an overdone way). Both are great singers, I was very very happy with Colton's voice and thought he hit every note perfectly. Colton flubbed his lines twice but in super minor ways so it didn't matter at all. Those are the biggest things I can think of, but let me know if you have more specific questions. Overall both are impressive performers and I am happy to report that Colton does the role great justice!
Broadway Star Joined: 5/19/17
Telecharge has this posted now:
Ben Platt will be out of Dear Evan Hansen from July 10 – July 16 on his vacation. He will return to the Tony Award-winning Best Musical on Tuesday, July 18.
Good for him! A well deserved break.
I wonder if Colton will go on all of the performances or if they will have Michael Lee Brown go on for a few.
Broadway Star Joined: 6/30/05
Just want to second that Colton Ryan gives a terrific, somewhat different but in no way inferior performance in the role as compared to Ben Platt. I saw Colton the weekend of the Tonys when Ben was on vocal rest, and saw Ben at the matinee this past Saturday. I also have to second that Ben is great but clearly sick and tired and having to hold back in parts of some songs in order to give it his all in others - I hope he is able to rest and recover. But the show is totally worth seeing with Colton in the role and while I'm grateful that I got to see both performances, even if you only can see it once and Colton happens to be in it, you should still go!
Chorus Member Joined: 6/9/17
NYadgal said: "Telecharge has this posted now:
Ben Platt will be out of Dear Evan Hansen from July 10 – July 16 on his vacation. He will return to the Tony Award-winning Best Musical on Tuesday, July 18.
Good for him! A well deserved break.
"
Unbelievable. I'm back in NYC for a pal's wedding and was going to go the Stub Hub route to see Ben, who no-showed when I went on 6/11. I have one night free: 7/14. Jesus. A shanda.
Skylark3 said: "NYadgal said: "Telecharge has this posted now:
Ben Platt will be out of Dear Evan Hansen from July 10 – July 16 on his vacation. He will return to the Tony Award-winning Best Musical on Tuesday, July 18.
Good for him! A well deserved break.
"
Unbelievable. I'm back in NYC for a pal's wedding and was going to go the Stub Hub route to see Ben, who no-showed when I went on 6/11. I have one night free: 7/14. Jesus. A shanda.
"
I saw you on Twitter and saw how awful you were towards Ben and Colton and will I have to say, I don't feel sorry for you.
Chorus Member Joined: 6/9/17
LesWickedly said: "Skylark3 said: "NYadgal said: "Telecharge has this posted now:
Ben Platt will be out of Dear Evan Hansen from July 10 – July 16 on his vacation. He will return to the Tony Award-winning Best Musical on Tuesday, July 18.
I don't have
Good for him! A well deserved break.
"
Unbelievable. I'm back in NYC for a pal's wedding and was going to go the Stub Hub route to see Ben, who no-showed when I went on 6/11. I have one night free: 7/14. Jesus. A shanda.
"
I saw you on Twitter and saw how awful you were towards Ben and Colton and will I have to say, I don't feel sorry for you.
I don't have a Twitter account. Yikes!
But I get spared the Stub Hub expense, any way! So don't feel sorry for me! I'm just disappointed to miss him. Again.
Well someone had the exact same sob story as you, flying in from Chicago with your elderly companion (don't remember the exact specifics). But you were rude on here too. Overall this leads to another point, but the amount of hate he receives on Twitter from missing shows is alarming! So many people tweet directly at him saying their furious he's out, paid so much to see him etc. I've never seen this with any other star, but maybe it's because we're at the peak of social media.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/16
NYadgal said: "Telecharge has this posted now:
Ben Platt will be out of Dear Evan Hansen from July 10 – July 16 on his vacation. He will return to the Tony Award-winning Best Musical on Tuesday, July 18.
Good for him! A well deserved break.
"
Have tickets for Thursday night July 6 so I'm hoping he'll hit all his dates leading up to the vacation. But it least it sounds like his understudy is great as well
Chorus Member Joined: 6/9/17
I was pretty disappointed -- my Mom came with me. She's 80. It was more about wanting her to be happy.
This time, it's just me. So, it's disappointing -- but HILARIOUS. My LUCK! But I'm healthy (except for the anxiety)!
I was just today looking at the over 200 tickets available for July 14! Now, there'll be more. And even more people disappointed. That poor box office! $350 was what they were asking for the cheapest seat this AM -- it'll be interesting watching what happens on StubHub.
As for the same sob story, I can tell you there was a line of upset folks returning tickets that day (Tony day). So, it's clear I wasn't the only one! I'm not on Twitter.
Sob stories are just that -- unless they're yours.
Edit: scratch that. Got my dates wrong and I will be able to catch him the following week! Yeah! Unless.... ::- )
Swing Joined: 6/18/17
NYadgal said: "Telecharge has this posted now:
Ben Platt will be out of Dear Evan Hansen from July 10 – July 16 on his vacation. He will return to the Tony Award-winning Best Musical on Tuesday, July 18.
Good for him! A well deserved break.
"
Does anyone know when the other cast members are going on vacation? I know Laura and Rachel are going in August, but when? Anyone? Thanks!! ??
Broadway Star Joined: 5/19/17
On a fun note, did anyone see Laura's instagram story today with the DEH playbill on the ground and her singing to it? I laughed so hard I almost choked!
Yay! Change of subject! No more fighting! We can all be friends!
And yes, Laura's insta story consistently makes me laugh out loud. The ninja turtle gummies!
Also, I am PRAYING that no one is on vacation when I go August 8, but unlike an alarming amount of people here and on twitter, I will be overjoyed to see any of the fantastic understudies in this production.
Swing Joined: 6/18/17
Yes me too, I've already seen the show 3x so I've seen everyone and met most of the cast, except will Roland and ben platt, but I was just wondering if anyone knew :) that's all!
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/28/15
"I will be overjoyed to see any of the fantastic understudies in this production."
Leading Actor Joined: 1/26/08
I'll be in New York on July 15th, so just in case anybody wants to get rid of their ticket, I'm dying to see these understudies. Let me know!
Updated On: 6/26/17 at 10:41 PM
If this is the kind of reaction every time Platt is out as the lead, it will be interesting to see what happens after November.
Featured Actor Joined: 9/18/16
I wonder if tickets would be easier to get when he's out. I saw him and LOVED him, but also love the show and think seeing the understudy would be interesting.
I've seen Ben a few times. Would love to see Colton. Maybe there will be a deal or two during his time on? Anyone with an extra ticket let me know!
Broadway Star Joined: 5/5/17
Big Apple2 said: "If this is the kind of reaction every time Platt is out as the lead, it will be interesting to see what happens after November."
I think it will be similar to what happened with Hamilton or Wicked for that matter. The general insanity and focus on the cast will die down, while the show continues to play to full houses. There will still be some diehard fans that follow the cast obsessively, but the show will fade into the background as just another hit show as newer hit shows open.
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