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Derek Klena

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BIO

Derek Klena was most recently in Moulin Rouge! and Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill on Broadway. Prior to that, he played the same role in the world premiere production at A.R.T in Cambridge, MA. Previously, he starred as Dmitry in the stage adaptation of the animated movie Anastasia. Derek first broke onto the NYC theatre scene in the 2012 Off-Broadway revival of Carrie, where he was quickly noticed and scooped up by Oscar and Tony winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul to originate the lead role of Eddie Birdlace in Dogfight. He then made his Broadway debut as Fiyero in 10th Anniversary Company of Wicked and followed that up by originating the role of Michael in Jason Robert Brown's The Bridges of Madison County. Derek has also made appearances on "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," "Quantico," "Last Week Tonight With John Oliver," "Blue Bloods," "Law and Order: SVU," and "Carrie Diaries."

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2021
Nick Healy

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2019
Christian [Replacement]

Christian [Replacement]

[Boston]
World Premiere Production at American Repertory Theater, 2018
Nick Healy

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2017
Dmitry

[Regional (US)]
Hartford Stage World Premiere Production, 2016
Dmitry

[Regional (US)]
Delaware Theatre Company World Premiere Production, 2015
Boogie

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Michael Johnson

[Off-Broadway]
Second Stage Theatre Production, 2012
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
MCC Theater Production, 2012
Tommy Ross

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
Fiyero [Replacement]



TV Shows

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
DJ Fingablast, Doug, Douglas

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Derek Klena, Jagged Little Pill

- 2012 - Theatre Finalists

Derek Klena

Videos

News


Audition Tips and Advice for 2025
by Spencer Glass - Jan 18, 2025

Spencer Glass, actor and coach, gives tips surrounding the 2025 audition season. What if this is the audition season you shine brighter than ever? What if you just figure it out, and feel really freaking good about yourself during the next couple months? Ask yourself THOSE questions.
Broadway and West End Powerhouse Ramin Karimloo to Perform in Utah for the First Time
by Tyler Hinton - Jan 17, 2025

The BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts Series at Brigham Young University is hosting Ramin Karimloo in his first ever performance in Utah. Joined by The Broadgrass Band, the Olivier and Tony Award nominee is bringing Broadway and bluegrass to BYU’s Music Building Concert Hall for two shows on Friday and Saturday, January 24 and 25, 2025.
Review: DEREK KLENA Returns For A Week At 54 Below
by Stephen Mosher - Jan 17, 2025

With charm, talent, looks, and Benjamin Rauhala by his side, Derek Klena brings a new show to 54 Below.
Boy George Delays Start For Return Run in MOULIN ROUGE!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 13, 2025

Due to a change in his schedule, Boy George will now begin performances as “Harold Zidler” in Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Friday, March 28th at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.
See Linda Eder, Derek Klena & More Next Week at 54 Below
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 3, 2025

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Linda Eder, Derek Klena and more.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 30, 2024
by - Dec 30, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 30, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Derek Klena, Kerry Ellis & More to Perform at 54 Below in January
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 27, 2024

In January, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Derek Klena, Kerry Ellis, and many more! Learn how to purchase tickets.
How To Answer Tough Questions About Your Acting Career During The Holidays
by Spencer Glass - Dec 23, 2024

Spencer Glass, coach and actor, shares tips in combating difficult questions that are sometimes asked during the holidays. Before we go deeper, let me just say this: you don't owe anyone an explanation as you're passing the lasagna around the table.
Liz Callaway And More To Lead Developmental Readings of New Musical MARATHON
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 27, 2024

Marathon, a new musical featuring a book & lyrics by Kara Cutruzzula, music by Kristoffer Bjarke, and direction by Tyrone L. Robinson will receive two private industry readings.
Boy George To Return To MOULIN ROUGE! On Broadway This March
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 25, 2024

Moulin Rouge! The Musical will welcome back global icon & Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter & trailblazer Boy George in the role of “Harold Zidler” beginning Tuesday March 18, 2025.
Eric Hutchinson Brings New Musical to Holmdel Theatre Co
by Stephi Wild - Nov 22, 2024

Holmdel Theatre Company will present a world premiere presentation of a jukebox musical in development by Eric Hutchinson.  Learn more about the production here!
Can Actors Also Have a Full-Time Job?
by Spencer Glass - Nov 17, 2024

Spencer Glass, actor and coach, gives his thoughts on being a full time actor and holding a full-time job. What if being an actor meant you had a parallel career that you love?
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 14, 2024
by - Nov 14, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 14, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Derek Klena, Isabelle McCalla & More to Star in HAPPY, TEXAS Industry Presentations
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 13, 2024

HAPPY, TEXAS will have industry presentations on November 19, 2024, featuring Tony nominees Derek Klena and Lauren Worsham, alongside Isabelle McCalla. The story follows two convicts posing as beauty pageant coordinators in a small town.
These Broadway Stars Will Appear in Hallmarks' 2024 Holiday Movies
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 1, 2024

For a lot of people, it isn't the holidays without a Hallmark movie. And, for Broadway fans, it is an even bigger treat as Broadway performers continue to lend their talents to the heartwarming movies that grace your TV every year. Find out which Broadway stars are slated to appear in Hallmark movies this season!
A History of Norma Desmond and the Women Who Have Played Her
by Stephi Wild - Oct 27, 2024

As Broadway welcomes Sunset Boulevard back to the stage, and the newest Norma Desmond, Nicole Scherzinger, BroadwayWorld is taking an in-depth back on just some of the performers who have taken on the iconic role in the past.
Mastering Your Audition Nerves: How to Feel Better In Your Auditions
by Spencer Glass - Oct 27, 2024

Spencer Glass, actor and career coach for actors, shares tips for actors to shine under pressure in their auditions. Check out 5 tips on managing your audition nerves here!
Derek Klena To Return To 54 Below With New Show This January
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 24, 2024

54 BELOW will welcome back Broadway leading man Derek Klena. He opens up about his journey through fatherhood, how it's reshaped his personal and professional experience, and the power and influence music has had through it all. Learn how to purchase tickets.
How to Get an Acting Agent
by Spencer Glass - Sep 20, 2024

There is no correct way to get an agent. There's no one way street, perfect strategy, or recipe that can get you an agent meeting. Are there certain things to think about/tools to have under your belt to make the process a little simpler? Absolutely, and we'll get to that.
Review: Tom Kitt Puts THE TRUNK SONGS Center Stage at 54 Below
by Stephen Mosher - Sep 15, 2024

There is reason for all to hope that more 54B, more Tom Kitt, and more of this type of material will come our collective ways.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Derek Klena been in?

Derek Klena has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.

How many West End shows has Derek Klena been in?

Derek Klena has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Derek Klena been nominated for?

and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jagged Little Pill.

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