Who will replace Ben Platt — Page 5

It is really not that common for Broadway shows to move to another Broadway house, I don't know why folks on this thread suggest it so frequently. We see maybe 1 move per season, if at all. This show works where it does because it needs intimacy. Music Box gives it that. It doesn't have much of a set so move itself won't be all that expensive, but it won't get a venue as perfect as the one they have now.

I doubt Ben's going to stay for much longer after his contract, maybe see it through the winter but that'll probably be about it. He's been Evan Hansen for a really long time, and it's a physically and mentally draining show. He talks about everything he's had to do to stay Ben Platt in real life during his TheaterTalk appearance.

I know the logistics would be a nightmare, but I think it would be very fitting with the theme of the show if they held a contest on YouTube or even Snapchat to pick the next Evan. Or they could find the next Justin beiber on YouTube. Honestly Jack Johnson wouldn't be a horrible choice.

A few weeks ago I saw the concert of the musical in development "It's Kind of a Funny Story" at 54 Below. The show deals with some of the same overall themes of adolescent isolation and mental health, and Colton Ryan played the lead and really touched me, even in a concert version.

I left thinking "wow, he could probably be a replacement for Ben Platt in DEH." I looked him up after the show and only *then* learned he was Ben's understudy/standby. :) So I personally think he should indeed take the role after Ben leaves!

Updated On: 4/18/17 at 03:19 PM

I'd like to go against the grain here and see if there's anyone out there that agrees with me. First of all, I've seen Platt in the role twice and he is truly extraordinary. There's no doubt that he should win the Tony as his is a once in a decade performance. I know that there's some talk now of Andy Karl pulling an upset, in part because of his excellent performance and it part due to a sympathy vote. But this is Platt's year.

Here is where I'll diverge from conventional wisdom, and suggest that DEH is a show that can and will stand very much on its own. My theory is that it does not need Platt to continue to sell out week after week. The show resonates on several emotional levels across many age demographics, and that, in addition to Platt's performance is what makes it special, along with a score that grows on me every time I listen to the cast album.

This is not to say that they won't need someone who can carry out the role, which as so many others have pointed out is incredibly demanding vocally and emotionally. They will. I just don't think that Ben is the only actor capable of playing Evan and generating the same emotional response.

I'm truly interested in your thoughts and in knowing if I'm all by myself on this.

Nope RaisedOnMusicals, you are not alone (see what I did there?). Show's material - book, songs, the story itself - are all very strong and I agree that the show can stand on its own. It is heavily dependant on whoever is playing the lead character, and Ben happens to be the current lead who's executing what has been given to him very well. The entire point of this thread is to come up with ideas on who else we think can do the role justice.

DEH is more relatable and has a more uplifting message than Next To Normal. Honestly, I haven't seen a good production of Next To Normal and only know it through a cropped bootleg + cast album, so I might not be the best person to discuss it in detail. DEH also has a fairly strong following amongst 15-25 year olds, which often helps a show survive longer. Pasek & Paul also happen to be Oscar winners at this point, I'm sure the ad campaigns post-Platt will help.

But I guess it's all guesswork until we know what happens. Market might crash and watching shows might get too expensive.

I would argue Next to Normal was pretty big with the 15-25 year old crowd, who may have just thought they got the message of "Next to Normal"- so I'll give you DEH seems the more relatable show. However, 15-25 year olds couldn't keep "Newsies" running. I do think it will have success post Platt and is a shoo-in for the Tony, but I don't see it generating the post OBC success as Hamilton.

trpguyy said: "Charlie Franklin"

Yo i'd kill for Charlie Franklin