Ben Platt, the Tony-winning star of Dear Evan Hansen, recently opened up about anxiety, queer romance, and the grounding influence of his husband. In a candid interview, Platt revealed how his relationship helps him navigate life's pressures and why his new musical feels liberating.
Managing Anxiety with His Husband
Platt described his husband, actor Noah Galvin, as a huge factor in managing his anxiety. "There's still highs and lows, but everything's more in my sights because I thankfully have him," Platt said. He also emphasized that having a creative project to focus on is a big help.
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Midnight at the Never Get: A Queer Musical
Platt stars as Trevor, a cabaret crooner in a 1960s Greenwich Village gay bar. The musical, directed by David Cromer, features songs by Mark Sonnenblick that allow Platt to sing love lyrics to another man for the first time in his career. "To play a three-dimensional character who is singing expressly queer songs with details of queer romance, it does feel so liberating," he explained.
| Aspect | Dear Evan Hansen | Midnight at the Never Get |
|---|---|---|
| Character Type | Anxious teen | Effervescent crooner |
| Love Interest | Female (Zoe) | Male |
| Musical Style | Pop-rock | Cabaret/1960s |
| Queer Representation | Implied subtext | Explicitly queer |
Why Being American Feels Helpless
Platt admitted that being American feels "helpless and scary" amid reversing progress on gay rights. But he finds solace in New York and in his creative work. The interview offers a raw look at how public figures cope with political anxiety.
Key Takeaways
- Ben Platt credits his husband with helping him manage anxiety.
- His new musical Midnight at the Never Get features explicit queer romance.
- Platt notes the halt in gay rights progress in the U.S.
- Creative focus is a key coping mechanism for Platt.
- The production is directed by David Cromer with a subtle hand.
FAQ
How does Ben Platt manage his anxiety?
He relies heavily on his husband, actor Noah Galvin, and on staying creatively focused. He says having something creative to work on is a big help.
What is Midnight at the Never Get about?
It's a musical set in a 1960s Greenwich Village gay bar, following a cabaret crooner named Trevor. Platt describes it as "effervescent" and "unfolding into something deeper and stranger."
Why is this musical liberating for Platt?
For the first time, he plays a queer character singing expressly queer songs with details of queer romance, something he never got to do in his previous musicals.