Ben Platt, the mellifluous singer and loose-limbed dancer, is a force to be reckoned with on the stage. His latest project, 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 musical is directed by David Cromer, and Platt praises his subtle hand in sculpting the performances.
Platt's relationship with his husband, actor Noah Galvin, is a huge factor in managing his anxiety. He finds optimism and hope in New York, where he is currently based. Platt also discusses the political implications of Midnight at the Never Get, noting that it lands at a moment when the progress of gay rights seems to have halted, even reversed, in the United States.
Platt's journey to stardom began at a young age, with his first school show at six, where he played the prince in Cinderella. He quickly rose to professional gigs, driven by a desire to grow up quickly and be counted among the adults he was working with. Platt's breakthrough came with the musical Dear Evan Hansen, where he played the problematic high-school hero. The role required him to commit to the character, putting his own development on the back burner.
Platt's success was not without challenges, however. He was derided as too old at 27 for the movie adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen, which was met with a negative reception. Platt reflects on the experience as a lesson in the business, noting that the rollercoaster of success and failure is an inevitable part of the journey.
Platt's ambition extends beyond the stage, as he covets the role of George in the musical Sunday in the Park With George. He also discusses his involvement in the film Merrily We Roll Along, where he plays a central trio in reverse, from jaded middle age back to youthful optimism. Platt's dedication to his craft is evident in his willingness to take on challenging roles and his commitment to his personal relationships.
Midnight at the Never Get is currently running at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London until September 12th.
