Ben Platt, the mellifluous singer and loose-limbed dancer, is a master of the stage, but behind the scenes, he battles with anxiety. In this interview, Platt opens up about his relationship with his husband, Noah Galvin, and how it has helped him manage his nerves. He also discusses his latest creative project, the musical Midnight at the Never Get, which takes us to a 1960s Greenwich Village gay bar. Platt plays cabaret crooner Trevor, a character that allows him to sing love lyrics to another man, something he has never done before.
Platt's journey to the stage has been a rollercoaster. At six, he played the prince in Cinderella, and his professional gigs followed quickly. However, it was Dear Evan Hansen that made him as both a performer and a person. The show forced him to rise to the occasion, putting his entire life on mute and living in the space of the character for many years. Despite the challenges, Platt emerged with a Tony Award and a leading role in the subsequent movie.
Platt's latest project, Midnight at the Never Get, is not explicitly political, but it lands at a moment when the progress of gay rights seems to have halted, even reversed, in his home nation. He admits that being American feels helpless and scary, but being in New York gives him hope and optimism. Platt also talks about the art theme of the Met Gala, where he referenced the Seurat painting that inspired Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park With George, a role he covets above all others.
Platt's ambitions are high, and he hopes to do Angels in America at some point. However, he is currently deep into making Merrily We Roll Along, a musical that follows its central trio in reverse. Platt and his co-stars are filming it forwards, in real time, and they are about a third of the way through. He is also working on a new project, Midnight at the Never Get, which he praises for its subtle direction and liberating songs.
Platt's journey to the stage has been a testament to his dedication and hard work. Despite the challenges, he has emerged as a master of the stage, with a unique ability to connect with his audience. His latest projects, Midnight at the Never Get and Merrily We Roll Along, are a testament to his versatility and talent, and they are sure to captivate audiences around the world.
