Thoughts on Derek Klena?

With Jagged Little Pill coming out I was wondering what the consensus is on him. I saw him in Anastasia and thought that he was quite good. Where do you see his career going? Is there a Tony somewhere in his future?

I love him on the Dogfight cast album.

Just like... any thoughts? He has nice skin and good hair.

Aside from Dogfight, I don't recall any roles he's had so far that would put him in contention for a Tony. He's played a lot of supporting roles (though he's the romantic lead in Anastasia, even that feels more like a supporting role aside from the one or two scenes where they added some random backstory). That's not to say he'll never get that chance one day. He's still getting cast in roles that are younger than his actual age so he may be content to wait it out. I think he's talented and I'm glad he keeps getting work.

I’ve only seen him live at the Carrie preview, Anastasia and Bridges so I can’t say I’ve seen his best work. Based on these performances I couldn’t say I see much BUT - when I listen to the Dogfight cast recording there is a performance that if matched on stage seems truly special and hard to replace. This guy needs to get good roles because right now he is playing generic bland characters that might make him look more generic and bland than he is. I suppose work is work in this business though. He has done better than most.

Updated On: 5/26/18 at 03:04 AM

Seems like a real nice dude

He was decent, when I saw him. Good performance but nothing to give Tony Awards about



Seems to be doing well for himself career wise

I’ve seen him in a lot of things and I think he's okay. I think Dogfight was his best work, as much of his of other work was fairly generic handsome acting that anyone and everyone under 35 has played. I remember nothing too distinct about him in Carrie, Bridges, or Wicked.

Is he bad? Clearly, no, as he keeps getting cast. I think he needs to find his voice as an actor and unfortunately, that may not come for a while as he’s genetically blessed enough to convincingly play 19 year olds. He has found his place yet.

One of my favourite current Broadway voices, a very capable actor with presence and usually great chemistry with his co-stars. My favourite of the current young male heartthrob types and I hope he gets more meaty roles in the future.

I think he's handsome but unspeakably bland. He gave me zero chemistry with Christy Altomare in Anastasia and his singing was serviceable at best, since there seemed to be little variability in his range as opposed to his volume.

I like him but he seems like he'll mostly be a replacement actor. That's not a knock on replacement gigs, they are important and an under-appreciated part of the biz. But no Tonys, just mostly concerts, replacements, and original casts of smaller transferring shows. He'd make a great Aaron Samuels replacement in Mean Girls.

tomwsjr said: "The $1,000 question is does he he wear a hair piece????? I sure looks like it."

lol. no... no he does not.

After seeing the new Kimmy Schmidt season that was released yesterday, he was great as DJ Fingablast on Kimmy Schmidt. I don't think he's leading man material, but he can play comedic supporting roles like this. He may have some physical features that may make people want to cast him as a leading man but I think he can develop into a great character actor.

Updated On: 5/31/18 at 10:03 AM