Meet the most swankified guy on Broadway, Jonah Platt who is currently playing Fiyero in Wicked the Musical on Broadway.
What was your first exposure to Broadway and musical theater and how did it influence you?
I was raised on musical theater – there’s old home movies of me singing “I Could’ve Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady when I was two-years-old! It’s always been a huge part of my life.
What’s the first Broadway show you saw?
I think it was Fiddler on the Roof when I was about 6!
If you could pick any musical that would be revived for Broadway in the 2017-2018 season and what role?
Light in the Piazza, Fabrizio!
A lot of actors have played Fiyero over the years. How are you making this role unique? What is the best part about playing Fiyero?
Every actor brings a lot of himself into any role, so I think the way I play Fiyero is unique to me simply because there’s only one me! It’s great playing a character with such a clear arc – I get to be callow and cocky in the beginning, contemplative and frustrated in the middle, and heroic and romantic by the end. Lots of fun colors to play.
Have you seen Ben (your brother) in Dear Evan Hansen? How did you like it?
I’ve seen it three times, each better than the last. It’s a beautiful show and I can’t wait for everyone to see it this winter.
Would you ever want to do a show with your brothers?
Sure!
What is it like working opposite Rachel Tucker?
Pretty great. All you can ask for in a scene partner is someone who’s going to really be present in the moment with you and commit fully, and that’s Rachel.
Funny mishap on stage?
One time the ladder I swing off of wasn’t very stable and I ended up doing kind of a 360 in the air – thank God I stuck the landing!
Favorite part of Wicked that you are not in?
Our dancers are incredible – I love watching the dance break in Ozdust.
You have done a lot of theatre, how does feel to make it to Broadway?
Awesome.
You are leaving Wicked soon, what do have planned next?
Moving home to Los Angeles and getting married! I’ll continue to work with my collaborators on our musical (The Giver), and hopefully find my way onto another stage or screen soon.
You have produced shows, written and sung your own music, performed roles in movies, TV and a Broadway show; what do you find is the most challenging and/or rewarding and what would you like to do more of?
Getting hired is the most challenging! Simply booking jobs, and having the patience and resilience to keep trying when you don’t book them, is definitely the most challenging. I’d love to act more, but it’s so greatly dependent on other people giving the opportunity to do so.
How do you feel social media has influenced your career and what platform do you like the most?
Love Twitter, get a lot of my news and sports and comedy from it. And it’s the best for interacting directly with fans.
If you had to pick a different profession, what would it be?
If I wasn’t in any aspect of entertainment at all, I’d want to be a teacher. I think it’s such an incredible important and impactful job.
Would you rather always have to sing rather than talk, or always have to dance rather than walk?
Sing rather than talk! I pretty much do that all the time anyway (ask my poor fiancée).
What are the most played songs on your iPhone/mp3 player and your go-to Karaoke song?
Most played, “Africa” by Toto. Go-to Karaoke, “Oh Darling!” by the Beatles.
What is your favorite cast album?
Rent
What is the best day off activity?
Anything with my fiancée.
Favorite Guilty Pleasure:
I feel no guilt for the pleasures I take! We should all enjoy the things we choose to enjoy 🙂
Hidden Quirky Talent:
I’m a decent beatboxer and freestyle rapper.
Favorite Website:
TripAdvisor, Darius Soriano’s ForumBlueandGold.com (Lakers fan site), RTumble.com (aggregator of California politics) and Tim Urban’s WaitButWhy.com
Favorite book:
As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner, Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin, Three Musketeers + Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas, Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
All-time favorite show:
Arrested Development
Favorite thing about NYC:
Theater!!