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DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews- Page 4

DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews

Auggie27 Profile Photo
Auggie27
#75DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/6/16 at 10:21am

A theater star is born in Platt. These sorts of reviews -- synergy of actor and well-received role/show -- come but once in most careers. And announced via a NY Times header yet, fairly rare.  One can hope he can stay a long time, and play it eight times a week. The inevitable calls -- and lucrative TV and film offers -- will come.  For now, he's that genuine Broadway event: an "overnight" sensation, even if he's been here before and worked hard to arrive at this particular week.  In a fairly dark autumn for obvious reasons, this show's success and Platt's recognition are heartening on several levels.  


"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling

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HenryTDobson
#76DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/6/16 at 10:33am

Auggie27 said: "A theater star is born in Platt. These sorts of reviews -- synergy of actor and well-received role/show -- come but once in most careers. And announced via a NY Times header yet, fairly rare.  One can hope he can stay a long time, and play it eight times a week. The inevitable calls -- and lucrative TV and film offers -- will come.  For now, he's that genuine Broadway event: an "overnight" sensation, even if he's been here before and worked hard to arrive at this particular week.  In a fairly dark autumn for obvious reasons, this show's success and Platt's recognition are heartening on several levels.  

 

"

I'm interested to see what Platt will tackle next. As you say, I'm sure he will have many opportunities, but I hope we keep him around the theater scene. He would make a great Georg in She Loves Me one day.

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GreasedLightning
#77DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/6/16 at 10:37am

^ The comforting part is... he's already had his "big" movie break. Maybe not the role of a lifetime and definitely not his last... but his role in the Pitch Perfect franchise, be it small yet mighty, has garnered much celebration and praise. And the third movie hasn't even been released yet. 

At 21, this is his return to the theater. I think we'll be graced with Platt's presence on Broadway for quite some time. And I'm so excited to have him here. 

Sunny11
#78DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/6/16 at 10:39am


^ Yes and Pitch Perfect where build on the ensemble. He pretty much carries this show on his shoulders.

Updated On: 12/6/16 at 10:39 AM

Evita616
#79DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/6/16 at 2:48pm

Saw the show last Friday and was completely blown away. I had even seen Hamilton the night before and loved it maybe as much. Ben Platt was unbelievable, and if he doesn't get the Tony for Best Actor it will be unacceptable. You felt his pain, felt how uncomfortable his character was and felt like it was almost too personal. All of the cast was so incredibly strong. I was crying one minute, laughing the next and didn't want it to be over. I already want to come back and see it again. The songs are so catchy, and I'd heard a few of them before but they make much more sense now within the show. The set was a bit distracting at times but also made sense for the show. I want the cast album to be out now! I saw Great Comet the next day and while it's flashy and fun, the depth of the story and the emotional performances didn't hold a candle to Great Comet. 

neonlightsxo
#80DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/6/16 at 2:52pm

He's 23, not 21, but semantics.

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Jordan Catalano
#81DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/6/16 at 2:56pm

Get your tickets NOW because I was in a loooooong line at the box office today behind a couple dozen obvious scalpers, each spending thousands of dollars on tix. 

SarahNYC2
#82DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/6/16 at 4:30pm

I just got tickets for Jan. 1st. Hoping Ben Platt will be in it that day. I wasn't sure of my dates of being in actual NYC till today and there was so little available!

Valentina3 Profile Photo
Valentina3
#83DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/6/16 at 5:45pm

I think he'll be great in The Music Man revival a few years from now. His refine acting skills also opens doors for movie leads.


Caption: Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.

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RaisedOnMusicals
#84DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/6/16 at 6:16pm

Yeah,but right now he looks more like a band member than Prof Hill. 


CZJ at opening night party for A Little Night Music, Dec 13, 2009.

petewk87
#85DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/6/16 at 6:20pm



Updated On: 12/14/16 at 06:20 PM

GreasedLightning Profile Photo
GreasedLightning
#86DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/6/16 at 7:15pm

neonlightsxo said: "He's 23, not 21, but semantics.

 

"

Oops. That's what I meant. 

10086sunset
#87DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/10/16 at 1:01am

jonlow09 said: "ACL2006 said: "have they been selling SRO? Might try for it come January.

 

"

The box office told me during previews that they would after opening. I'm thinking of dropping by later today to see if they're following through. 


 

 


"

 

Went tonight and there was standing room, although I would guess there were only 10-12 spots total as the standing room was only sold in back of the center orchestra. 

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somechrysanthemumtea
#88DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/11/16 at 12:02am

Maybe it differs from performance to performance but I did standing room for tonights show, and it was not just the centre orchestra, it was also one of the side orchestras that had standing room. I'd estimate around 15-20 people were standing at the back of the orchestra for the evening performance.

I tried to get tickets last night online, and there were no tickets showing up, so I assumed the show was sold out and went to the box office this morning at 10am. There were about 10 people in front of me, getting a mix of partial view seats (which I heard the attendant say they only sell at the box office), plus standing room for the matinee and evening show.

ClumsyDude15 Profile Photo
ClumsyDude15
#89DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/18/16 at 1:40am

I went to the box office this morning around 11:30ish and got standing room for the evening (109 - a little off center). The view is great and you don't miss a thing - one of the best standing room set ups I've seen. The show just is an emotional and raw piece and just gets me and I love it so much. 


"Anybody that goes to the theater, I think we’re all misfits, so we ended up on stage or in the audience.” --- Patti LuPone.

theatreguy12
#90DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/18/16 at 1:10pm

A basic theater question about the reception of actors on Broadway. 

This young man seems to be garnering a lot of passion and praise.  And rightfully so.

I'm just curious why some movie/TV people are embraced more than others?

I only ask because I remember Matthew Morrison's return to Broadway in FN.  And it was like, 'Oh, the Glee guy is on Broadway.'  He seemed almost poo poo'ed.  Even by veteran theatergoers. 

Yet MM had a very healthy Broadway resume prior to his Hollywood connection....with very little TV or movie work prior to his "big break" on Broadway.  In fact, I read somewhere he was working at a Gap when he hit it?

This young man in DEH seems more Hollywood than theater.

So is there a difference between being the guy making money before you hit the boards, and the guy who does so after?  It seems that it would be easier to have some movie money behind you while you're trying to make it in NY than working at the Gap.

Either way, I look forward to seeing this.  I love original musicals, and it sounds like, regardless of his background, he's outstanding.

LesWickedly Profile Photo
LesWickedly
#91DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/18/16 at 1:14pm

It's because Ben Platt is giving an amazing performance in a very well written show. Matthew Morrison gave a good performance in a poorly written family musical. The difference is mainly the material and characters. 

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Call_me_jorge
#92DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/18/16 at 1:21pm

I think the difference between the two is that Ben is the biggest Broadway fanboy on Broadway. He's always wanted to be on Broadway- that was/is his end goal, not necessarily being in movies. And I'd say his time in Hollywood and his time on Broadway and in theatre is 50/50.


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

theatreguy12
#93DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/18/16 at 1:48pm

Okay, just curious.

Not really talking about the material though.  Clearly this show is being taken seriously, FN wasn't.  

I'm talking more of the actors themselves.  And how they're received.

It sounded like this guy was more known for some movies than Broadway.  

MM's, not so much.  It seemed like Broadway came first for him.  While he was working at the Gap.

I know there are a lot of purists who poo poo actors who break from Broadway to make the $$ in L.A.....but I wasn't sure how that is considered less valid than the actor who does that first, then Broadway.  Regardless of how much they love Broadway and want to be there. 

akmiller_98
#94DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/18/16 at 2:09pm

I think in this case it's really a combo of the material and what Ben Platt does with it. The book and music are good (Act 1 is much stronger than Act 2 in my opinion) but Ben is great. The supporting cast is good, but I felt they brought stage tears, and he brought real tears (and snot and spit) for like 1/3 of the show. It is quite remarkable to watch and you wonder how or if he will be able to sustain that for the long run.

 

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dramamama611
#95DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/18/16 at 2:17pm

First, I totally disagree that MM's return to bway was "poo-poo'd".  Lots of people weren't happy he was replacing Jeremy Jordan.  Any grief he got was from people believing the ONLY reason he was being put in was because of the money that would follow him because of his Glee fame.  It wasn't really because of the actor.

Additionally, the only time I really see people getting their panties in an uproar is when it is obviously stunt casting....only in the financial interest of the project.   


If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

theatreguy12
#96DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/18/16 at 2:18pm

Sounds great, akmiller.  I definitely want to see it.  I tend to like upbeat musicals, but the occasional dramatic journey is cathartic too.  Thanks.

akmiller_98 said: "I think in this case it's really a combo of the material and what Ben Platt does with it. The book and music are good (Act 1 is much stronger than Act 2 in my opinion) but Ben is great. The supporting cast is good, but I felt they brought stage tears, and he brought real tears (and snot and spit) for like 1/3 of the show. It is quite remarkable to watch and you wonder how or if he will be able to sustain that for the long run.

 


 

"

 

asmith0307
#97DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/18/16 at 3:39pm

dramamama611 said: "First, I totally disagree that MM's return to bway was "poo-poo'd".  Lots of people weren't happy he was replacing Jeremy Jordan.  Any grief he got was from people believing the ONLY reason he was being put in was because of the money that would follow him because of his Glee fame.  It wasn't really because of the actor.

Additionally, the only time I really see people getting their panties in an uproar is when it is obviously stunt casting....only in the financial interest of the project.
"

That was my take on the issue as well. It's not that he came back, but rather he came back in kind of a "stunt casty" way (though I think he had done some readings, and may have just not been available for ART). On the other hand, Ben has been with this project for a couple years now and all through the development productions. 

theatreguy12
#98DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/18/16 at 4:54pm

It was definitely a poo poo'ing of sorts.

Because it had to do with him, Morrison, being cast.

Whether it was because people preferred Jordan over him, or they saw him as being a money trail at that point by the producers....whatever, it was his casting that was criticized.  And it's sort of hard to separate the man from the casting.  

That all being said, I am really not one to see shows that are stunt casted.  It's very difficult for me.  I've always been way more impressed by stage actors anyway.  There's an authenticity.  There's none of the, 'Stop, let's do a retake.'  The moment the curtain goes up, souls are bared.

For FN I felt that if even if a money trail was the thrust behind it, MM was still an accomplished Broadway actor before he was anything else, so it was fine.  And I never watched Glee, so...

Anyway....back to DEH.

 

boonanas
#99DEAR EVAN HANSEN Reviews
Posted: 12/19/16 at 9:45am

I got Standing Room for Saturday's matinee.  What I found very disheartening is that I was waiting in line around 10:20... and everyone in front of me was buying blocks of 8 seats for months in the future.  Particularly, 3 people would buy 8 seats each and each of them jumped in the same car that was idling outside.  Very weird how this scalping culture is so prevalent.

 

Anyways, show is pretty good.  Very good songs, great acting.  I was tearing up during So Big So Small (and I'm a straight married 30 year old!). 

 

I think I prefer Great Comet due to the richness of that experience though.