| Will this be a case (for the show, not for Ben Platt) of being a victim of your own success? I've seen it three times and was floored by Ben's performance each time, but I also think the whole cast and the material is more than strong enough to be just as rewarding emotionally and artistically with a different Evan, and, if chosen with equal care, replacements for the rest of the cast as well. While the buzz had been building for Ben in the role since Washington DC, and certainly there are those who knew him from Pitch Perfect and Book of Mormon, it is DEH that made him a star, and - taking nothing away from him - not the other way around. So it's almost ironic if the exigencies of Broadway lead the producers to seek out a "name" even though Ben wasn't really a "name" before this show. Also, every post I've read discussing Michael Lee Brown's performance leads me to believe he's more than worthy successor; while I can't judge that for myself yet - I hope to be able to soon. |
