‘Ben Platt Live From Radio City Music Hall’ Concert Film Premieres on Netflix Today
To keep spirits up, Netflix is showcasing past live concerts. Starting today, it streams “Ben Platt Live From Radio City Music Hall,” which was filmed last year.
Platt is best known for the streamer’s black comedy “The Politician,” which has just been renewed for a second season and returns June 19. The new season has plenty of political and familial plot twists, as we continue his character’s long-held obsession: becoming President of the United States.
But before TV success came his life-changing role in “Dear Evan Hansen,” which earned him a Tony Award. For his Radio City concert, he sang songs from “Sing to Me Instead,” his debut album. And he dances like no one is watching — with pure joy.
Alex Timbers (“Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson,” “Moulin Rouge, The Musical”) directed and executive produced the show.
In an interview with Playbill, Platt said the two collaborated 100 percent. “I knew right away when I made the deal to do the special that I wanted Alex to direct it. I’ve loved his work on stage and obviously all of his work that he’s done on camera as well, particularly John Mulaney’s ‘Sack Lunch Bunch.’”
“I just think he’s so brilliant at taking a musical concert and making it feel like a narrative evening. I knew he would really help me preserve like the intimacy of it.”
The show is notable for Platt injecting many personal aspects of his life. He shares the key parts of himself, stating that live performance is where he feels “the truest version of myself.”
When asked why he was so forthright, Platt told Playbill: “Many of my stories are wrapped up in that Jewish upbringing. To edit that for any reason would just feel disingenuous. … The most authentic version of myself I can offer is literally who I am, and that’s queer and that’s Jewish and that’s anxious and all those things.”
“Naturally, if I’m going to try to tell my own stories and give my own perspective, those are going to be huge parts of it. And I love that.”