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Derek Klena

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BIO

Derek Klena was most recently in Moulin Rouge! and Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill on Broadway. Prior to that, he played the same role in the world premiere production at A.R.T in Cambridge, MA. Previously, he starred as Dmitry in the stage adaptation of the animated movie Anastasia. Derek first broke onto the NYC theatre scene in the 2012 Off-Broadway revival of Carrie, where he was quickly noticed and scooped up by Oscar and Tony winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul to originate the lead role of Eddie Birdlace in Dogfight. He then made his Broadway debut as Fiyero in 10th Anniversary Company of Wicked and followed that up by originating the role of Michael in Jason Robert Brown's The Bridges of Madison County. Derek has also made appearances on "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," "Quantico," "Last Week Tonight With John Oliver," "Blue Bloods," "Law and Order: SVU," and "Carrie Diaries."

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2021
Nick Healy

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2019
Christian [Replacement]

Christian [Replacement]

[Boston]
World Premiere Production at American Repertory Theater, 2018
Nick Healy

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2017
Dmitry

[Regional (US)]
Hartford Stage World Premiere Production, 2016
Dmitry

[Regional (US)]
Delaware Theatre Company World Premiere Production, 2015
Boogie

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Michael Johnson

[Off-Broadway]
Second Stage Theatre Production, 2012
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
MCC Theater Production, 2012
Tommy Ross

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
Fiyero [Replacement]



TV Shows

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
DJ Fingablast, Doug, Douglas

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Derek Klena, Jagged Little Pill

- 2012 - Theatre Finalists

Derek Klena

Videos

News


Review: Tom Kitt Puts THE TRUNK SONGS Center Stage at 54 Below Photo
Review: Tom Kitt Puts THE TRUNK SONGS Center Stage at 54 Below

There is reason for all to hope that more 54B, more Tom Kitt, and more of this type of material will come our collective ways.
Videos: Darren Criss, Jordan Fisher, Rachel Zegler, and More Perform at Elsie Fest Photo
Videos: Darren Criss, Jordan Fisher, Rachel Zegler, and More Perform at Elsie Fest

The 7th Annual Elsie Fest took place on September 8 in NY at The Rooftop at Pier 17, and BroadwayWorld was there to capture all of the action! Check out a roundup of videos from many of the performances, featuring Darren Criss, Jordan Fisher, Rachel Zegler, and more!
See Santino Fontana, WRITE OUT LOUD & More Next Week At 54 Photo
See Santino Fontana, WRITE OUT LOUD & More Next Week At 54

54 Below announced next week's lineup featuring performances by Broadway stars, including a tribute to Stephen Sondheim and a night with Tony Award winner Alice Ripley.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL National Tour Reunion & More at 54 Below Next Month Photo
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL National Tour Reunion & More at 54 Below Next Month

54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond in September. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Way Off Broadway's 30th Anniversary Season Continues With Area Premiere Of ANASTASIA Photo
Way Off Broadway's 30th Anniversary Season Continues With Area Premiere Of ANASTASIA

As The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre continues its 30th Anniversary Season, yet another area premiere production will take the stage at the Frederick venue when Anastasia opens on September 13th.
5 Tips for Parents of Young Actors Photo
5 Tips for Parents of Young Actors

Spencer Glass, actor and career coach for actors, provides tips and advice for parents who have children who are interested in becoming an actor. Check back monthly for more actor wisdom from Spencer. 
Derek Klena, Jenn Colella & More to Star in Tom Kitt's THE TRUNK SONGS at 54 Below Photo
Derek Klena, Jenn Colella & More to Star in Tom Kitt's THE TRUNK SONGS at 54 Below

54 BELOW will welcome back Tony, Grammy, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize winning composer Tom Kitt. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Aaron Tveit and Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque Return to MOULIN ROUGE! Tonight Photo
Aaron Tveit and Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque Return to MOULIN ROUGE! Tonight

Moulin Rouge! The Musical will welcome back original Broadway cast member and Tony Award-winner Aaron Tveit, alongside platinum-selling singer, songwriter, and actress Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque as Christian and Satine, respectively.
Video: MOULIN ROUGE! Says 'So Long, Farewell' To Derek Klena, Courtney Reed, Bobby Da Photo
Video: MOULIN ROUGE! Says 'So Long, Farewell' To Derek Klena, Courtney Reed, Bobby Daye and Clay Rice-Thomson

This weekend, Moulin Rouge! The Musical will say au revoir to current stars Courtney Reed and Derek Klena. They depart along with understudy Bobby Daye and ensemble member Clay Rice-Thomson. To celebrate their send off, the quartet of performers put together a farewell to the show, using the iconic 'goodbye' song, 'So Long, Farewell' from The Sound of Music. Check out video of their adorable parody below!
How to Use the Summer Months to Heat Up Your Acting Career Photo
How to Use the Summer Months to Heat Up Your Acting Career

Spencer Glass, actor, and career coach for actors, explores how artists should focus less on not having summer theatre work, and more on lifting their artistry. 
The Comparison Game: The Actor's Nightmare Photo
The Comparison Game: The Actor's Nightmare

Spencer Glass, career coach for actors and actor himself, discusses the toxicity of comparing yourself as an actor, and measuring your career to others. Check back monthly for more actor wisdom from Spencer. 
Aaron Tveit and Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque Will Return to MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL Photo
Aaron Tveit and Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque Will Return to MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL

Moulin Rouge! The Musical will welcome back original Broadway cast member and Tony Award-winner Aaron Tveit, starring alongside platinum-selling singer, songwriter, and actress Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque as Christian and Satine, respectively, for a 12-week limited engagement.
Cast Set For Garden Theatre's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Photo
Cast Set For Garden Theatre's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Little Shop of Horrors will kick off the Garden's 17th season with performances beginning Friday, July 12 at 7:30 pm with a limited run through Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Video: Austin Durant Makes Triumphant Return as Harold Zilger in MOULIN ROUGE Photo
Video: Austin Durant Makes Triumphant Return as Harold Zilger in MOULIN ROUGE

Last night, Moulin Rouge! The Musical welcomed Austin Durant back as Harold Zidler; Durant originated the character for the North American Tour and performed the role on Broadway in 2019. Watch a video of his first curtain call since being back!
How to Create an Online Presence as an Actor Photo
How to Create an Online Presence as an Actor

Spencer Glass, career coach for actors and actor himself, explains the importance of having actor footage online, and being searchable in a moment's notice.
Derek Klena and Wife Elycia Expecting Second Child Photo
Derek Klena and Wife Elycia Expecting Second Child

Derek Klena and his wife have revealed that they are expecting their second child! Learn more about the pair at the story here.
What Do You Mean I Won't Book Every Project I Audition For? Photo
What Do You Mean I Won't Book Every Project I Audition For?

Spencer Glass, career coach for actors and actor himself, dives deep into the reality of booking jobs, and coming to terms with the fact that actors can't be a fit for everyone and every piece. 
Austin Durant Will Return to MOULIN ROUGE! With Hailee Kaleem Wright Joining the Cast Photo
Austin Durant Will Return to MOULIN ROUGE! With Hailee Kaleem Wright Joining the Cast

Moulin Rouge! The Musical will welcome Austin Durant as Harold Zidler beginning Tuesday, May 14 at Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre.
Interview: Ali Stroker Shares a Sneak Peek Into Houston Symphony's 21ST CENTURY BROAD Photo
Interview: Ali Stroker Shares a Sneak Peek Into Houston Symphony's 21ST CENTURY BROADWAY Concert

For this weekend only, the Houston Symphony will be housing New York artists Rodney Ingram, Hailey Kilgore, Derek Klena, and Ali Stroker to perform showstoppers from today’s hottest musicals in their concert, '21st Century Broadway'! BroadwayWorld Houston was able to speak to Stroker about what we can look forward to at this one-of-a-kind concert.
MRS. KRISHNAN'S PARTY & More Lead Boston's April 2024 Top Theatre Shows Photo
MRS. KRISHNAN'S PARTY & More Lead Boston's April 2024 Top Theatre Shows

Boston is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for April 2024 include Mrs. Krishnan's Party, Jagged Little Pill and more!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Derek Klena been in?

Derek Klena has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.

How many West End shows has Derek Klena been in?

Derek Klena has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Derek Klena been nominated for?

Derek Klena has been nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for his role in Jagged Little Pill.

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