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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


Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 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.
Can Actors Also Have a Full-Time Job?

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?
Derek Klena, Isabelle McCalla & More to Star in HAPPY, TEXAS Industry Presentations

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

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!
Derek Klena To Return To 54 Below With New Show This January

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.
Mastering Your Audition Nerves: How to Feel Better In Your Auditions

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!
A History of Norma Desmond and the Women Who Have Played Her

As Broadway welcomes Sunset Boulevard back to the stage, and the newest Norma Desmond, Nicole Scherzinger, BroadwayWorld is looking back on just some of the performers who have taken on the iconic role in the past.
Review: Tom Kitt Puts THE TRUNK SONGS Center Stage at 54 Below

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.
How to Get an Acting Agent

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.
Videos: Darren Criss, Jordan Fisher, Rachel Zegler, and More Perform at Elsie Fest

The 7th Annual Elsie Fest took place on September 8 in NY at The Rooftop at Pier 17, and BroadwayWorld was there to capture all of the action! Check out a roundup of videos from many of the performances, featuring Darren Criss, Jordan Fisher, Rachel Zegler, and more!
See Santino Fontana, WRITE OUT LOUD & More Next Week At 54

54 Below announced next week's lineup featuring performances by Broadway stars, including a tribute to Stephen Sondheim and a night with Tony Award winner Alice Ripley.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL National Tour Reunion & More at 54 Below Next Month

54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond in September. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Way Off Broadway's 30th Anniversary Season Continues With Area Premiere Of ANASTASIA

As The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre continues its 30th Anniversary Season, yet another area premiere production will take the stage at the Frederick venue when Anastasia opens on September 13th.
5 Tips for Parents of Young Actors

Spencer Glass, actor and career coach for actors, provides tips and advice for parents who have children who are interested in becoming an actor. Check back monthly for more actor wisdom from Spencer. 
Derek Klena, Jenn Colella & More to Star in Tom Kitt's THE TRUNK SONGS at 54 Below

54 BELOW will welcome back Tony, Grammy, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize winning composer Tom Kitt. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Aaron Tveit and Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque Return to MOULIN ROUGE! Tonight

Moulin Rouge! The Musical will welcome back original Broadway cast member and Tony Award-winner Aaron Tveit, alongside platinum-selling singer, songwriter, and actress Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque as Christian and Satine, respectively.
Video: MOULIN ROUGE! Says 'So Long, Farewell' To Derek Klena, Courtney Reed, Bobby Daye and Clay Rice-Thomson

This weekend, Moulin Rouge! The Musical will say au revoir to current stars Courtney Reed and Derek Klena. They depart along with understudy Bobby Daye and ensemble member Clay Rice-Thomson. To celebrate their send off, the quartet of performers put together a farewell to the show, using the iconic 'goodbye' song, 'So Long, Farewell' from The Sound of Music. Check out video of their adorable parody below!
How to Use the Summer Months to Heat Up Your Acting Career

Spencer Glass, actor, and career coach for actors, explores how artists should focus less on not having summer theatre work, and more on lifting their artistry. 
The Comparison Game: The Actor's Nightmare

Spencer Glass, career coach for actors and actor himself, discusses the toxicity of comparing yourself as an actor, and measuring your career to others. Check back monthly for more actor wisdom from Spencer. 
Aaron Tveit and Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque Will Return to MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL

Moulin Rouge! The Musical will welcome back original Broadway cast member and Tony Award-winner Aaron Tveit, starring alongside platinum-selling singer, songwriter, and actress Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque as Christian and Satine, respectively, for a 12-week limited engagement.

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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Videos