Ben Platt to Lead World Premiere of New Musical DEAR EVAN HANSEN at Arena Stage

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater announces Ben Platt (Pitch Perfect, The Book of Mormon) will star in the title role of Dear Evan Hansen, the original world-premiere musical debuting this summer. The production, by Tony Award-nominated composing duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dogfight; A Christmas Story, The Musical) and Outer Critics Circle Award-winning playwright Steven Levenson (Masters of Sex), is directed by Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (If/Then, Next to Normal, Rent) and will run July 10-August 23, 2015 in the Kreeger Theater.

"I couldn't be more excited to be a part of this very special piece," shares Platt. "Benj, Justin, Steven and Michael have created a bold, moving and completely original modern musical. It's an honor and a dream come true to lead this cast, and a gift to be portraying Evan Hansen, such a beautifully complicated and exceedingly human character. I can't wait for the world to see it."

Platt (Evan Hansen) is best known for starring as Benji Applebaum in Universal Pictures' smash hit Pitch Perfect and will reprise his role in Pitch Perfect 2 to be released in May. This summer, Platt can be seen alongside Meryl Streep in the film Ricki and the Flash. He most recently made his Broadway debut as Elder Cunningham in The Book of Mormon, for which The New York Times called his performance "sensational." Platt first took on the role to critical acclaim in the show's Chicago run in 2012, earning him a Broadway World Chicago Award for Best Actor in a Touring Production. This past fall, Platt sold out his first solo cabaret show at 54 Below. National Tours: Caroline, or Change (directed by George C. Wolfe and Tony Kushner). Regional Credits: The Black Suits (Barrington Stage Company), The Power of Duff (New York Stage and Film, Stephen Belber), Dead End (directed by Nicholas Martin, Ahmanson Theatre), The Music Man, Mame, Camelot and The Sound of Music (Hollywood Bowl, directed by Gordon Hunt). Workshops/Readings: Breaking Bobby Stone (directed by Peter Scolari), Murder at the Gates (directed by Peter Dubois, Steven Sater), Alice By Heart (Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik), Irma La Douce (directed by Rob Ashford, starring Katie Holmes) and Bridges of Madison County (directed by Bartlett Sher, Jason Robert Brown).

Additional casting to be announced at a later date.

Subscription packages, including Dear Evan Hansen, are currently available. Single tickets for Dear Evan Hansen go on sale March 13, 2015. Patrons may call the Arena Stage Sales Office at 202-488-3300 or visit arenastage.org.

Photo by Maddy Talias