Ben Platt, the mellifluous singer and loose-limbed dancer, is a force to be reckoned with on the stage. His latest venture, Midnight at the Never Get, is a musical that takes us to a 1960s Greenwich Village gay bar, where Platt plays cabaret crooner Trevor. The show, directed by David Cromer, is a testament to Platt's versatility and talent. But it's not just his acting and singing skills that make him stand out; it's also his personal life and experiences that shape his art.
Platt talks openly about his anxiety and how his relationship with his husband, Noah Galvin, has helped him manage it. He credits his husband with being a huge factor in his ability to stay focused and creative. This is especially relevant given the current political climate in the United States, where Platt admits that being American feels helpless and scary. However, he finds optimism and hope in New York, where he is currently based.
Midnight at the Never Get is not explicitly political, but it does land at a moment when the progress of gay rights seems to have halted, even reversed, in the United States. Platt's portrayal of a three-dimensional character who is singing expressly queer songs with details of queer romance is a liberating experience for him. It's a far cry from his early school shows, where he played the prince in Cinderella, and his professional gigs, where he was anxious and focused.
Platt's rise to fame began with his Tony-winning performance in Dear Evan Hansen, where he played the problematic high-school hero. The show was a challenge for him, as he had never been asked to go to those emotional lengths before. However, he emerged from the experience with a newfound sense of confidence and a deeper understanding of his craft.
Despite the success of Dear Evan Hansen, Platt's journey to stardom has not been without its challenges. He was derided as too old at 27 for the movie adaptation of the show, which was a tough lesson to learn. However, he remains optimistic and hopes that history will be kind to the movie.
Platt's love for musicals is evident in his desire to play George in Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park With George. He considers Sondheim to be his rabbi and imam, and he has not yet done a professional stage Sondheim. However, he is deep into making Merrily We Roll Along, a Sondheim musical that follows its central trio in reverse, from jaded middle age back to youthful optimism.
In conclusion, Ben Platt is a talented and versatile actor who is shaping his art through his personal experiences and relationships. His latest venture, Midnight at the Never Get, is a testament to his talent and a reflection of his journey to stardom. As he continues to push the boundaries of his craft, we can expect to see even more remarkable performances from this rising star.
