As much as I do love this casting, I kinda wish they had picked some unknowns you know? I mean Rachel Tucker is amazing as Elphaba for sure but I think switching it up with new leads or even adding some diversity to the leads would have been interesting. Nonetheless, the show will be great I am sure!
I agree with the other poster that this sounds more like merit because he's replacing so far into the run of the show. Granted, having Marc Platt as a dad won't hurt in the biz, but this doesn't sound quite as close to nepotism as some of you might think. (I actually thought Ben would be Boq eventually, but not just yet.)
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
"Guys, lets be honest here. Ben Platt is a fine actor, but wouldn't really put him "above incredible". There are a bunch of other fine, even better actors, trying to get acting jobs in this city. He wouldn't have got the jobs he got without Dad. And c'mon, another son with extremely few legit acting credits makes his bway debut in Wicked? He might be great in the role, but again, not there without his Dad. Not a judgment, but it really is all about who you know (or who you are related to!) in this business.
"
Completely 100# incorrect
Use my code "YZTFG" for $20 OFF tickets on TodayTix!
Alright ZellMorrowPledge, obviously you don't have to listen to me, but as someone who has many years experience in Broadway casting I think I know what I'm talking about. Again, I know you think he is "above incredible", but he was barely even mentioned in the NYTimes Evan Hansen review, and that press of him as the "New face of the American Musical" was show publicity to gain some PR in a Hamilton dominated press month when Stacey Mindich was trying to move the show to NY for the fall season. Didn't help the show, and now they are waiting until next year.
Ben and Jonah are of the next generation of post-Wicked somewhat "generic" broadway babies, with the same look and voice (Evan Hansen could've been played by anybody of that vein). Although that is my own opinion, the facts are that both have no theatre education/training, few credits, yet they are being cast in big broadway roles. Again, does not mean that they aren't talented (they are), but are being cast in the roles because of Dad's help.
I was a little annoyed and disappointed to read that this Jonah Plat is the producers son. I went onto youtube to watch some of his videos and am not impressed. Maybe he will surprise us all but welcome to showbiz folks. This is how it works, fair or not.
I can't speak to Jonah's level of talent as I have never seen him perform and have to admit that I had similar "Daddy cast him" thoughts when I saw the announcement. However, I was disappointed to see Ben brought into this thread after seeing his remarkable performance in Dear Evan Hansen. While I'm sure his father's connections have helped open some doors for him (how could they not?), Ben appears to be the real deal and incredibly talented.
"Ben and Jonah are of the next generation of post-Wicked somewhat "generic" broadway babies, with the same look and voice (Evan Hansen could've been played by anybody of that vein)."
I wouldn't call it a post-Wicked phenomenon as Idina and Kristin have very unique voices. It's definitely post-Glee but I feel like I was hearing a somewhat generic musical theatre voice before then.
You guys do know that Marc platt isn't the only producer of the show. So if the other producers didn't like his sons singing they wouldn't cast him.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
dawn will be reuniting with Rachel post the last ship. I also wonder if Christine Dwyer will be staying or if they'll announce a replacement for her later. Also I wonder if Christine is making more than normal for a standby since she's already been the lead.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
LOVE that they're casting newer people into this production. Can't even imagine how the new Boq felt when he got the call that he would be making his Broadway debut in Wicked.
Use my code "YZTFG" for $20 OFF tickets on TodayTix!
I'm so happy for Carrie St. Louis! I saw her about a week before she left the tour and knew she would come to Broadway in this role at some point. Her Glinda is truly a three dimensional performance. We tend to forget that Glinda is telling the story that leads to her best friend's death. In Carrie's portrayal, you can almost always see a glimpse of the pain she must be feeling in reliving the experience. She is one person you shouldn't miss in this show!
Random question: Has anyone on here seen Judy Kaye as Morrible? I'm equally tempted to potentially pull the trigger on heading back to the Gershwin to see her in the role.