Ben Platt Finds Solace on Stage Amidst Personal Anxieties
Ahmanson Theatre residency offers the acclaimed performer a “controlled chaos” and a return to his roots, beginning December 12th.
Ben Platt, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning performer, openly acknowledges a lifelong struggle with anxiety. Yet, paradoxically, it is the stage – the very arena where vulnerability is amplified – that provides him with a unique sense of calm. This immersive experience allows Platt to escape the “web of worry” that often consumes him, offering a space for focused energy and creative expression.
From Broadway to the Ahmanson: A Homecoming
Beginning Friday, December 12th, Platt will launch a 10-day engagement at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. This concert series, directed by Tony winner Michael Arden, extends his successful 2024 residency at Broadway’s Palace Theatre. That earlier run featured an impressive roster of guest stars, including Cynthia Erivo, Kacey Musgraves, Kristin Chenoweth, and Leslie Odom Jr. While the Ahmanson shows promise similar surprise duets, Platt is intentionally keeping the collaborations under wraps, emphasizing the element of anticipation for audiences.
Platt draws inspiration from the legendary Judy Garland, specifically her 1960s CBS variety show, admiring “the way that she would share herself in her solo shows, and how she had so many famous collaborations.” He aims to replicate that spirit of openness and collaboration in his own performances.
A Career Retrospective
Unlike the Palace Theatre residency, which heavily focused on Platt’s third studio album, “Honeymind,” the Ahmanson gig will offer a broader view of his artistic journey. “There’s really no project I can think of that won’t be represented,” Platt explained, describing the show as “a little jewel box of all the stuff.” Fans can expect to hear selections from all three of his albums, as well as highlights from his acclaimed Broadway roles, including “Dear Evan Hansen,” and his Netflix series, “The Politician.”
Navigating Anxiety and the Industry
At 32, Platt reflects on a period of personal growth, acknowledging a shift from being perceived as precociously young to a more mature stage of life. He recently married actor and singer Noah Galvin, and the couple is contemplating starting a family, a prospect that triggers further anxiety for Platt. He grapples with a range of anxieties, including a fear of flying, hypochondria, and existential concerns about happiness and fulfillment.
“At the center of it is the unknown,” Platt shared, adding that “the opposite of anxiety isn’t calm, it’s certainty.” He finds solace in the “controlled chaos of performing,” where adrenaline and spontaneity coexist with a clear plan and the confidence to deliver.
Platt also acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a curated public persona in the age of oversharing. He expresses a desire to emulate the “old-school mystery” enjoyed by stars of previous generations, sharing his life – including his marriage as a queer person – “in a curated and safe way.”
Despite his success, Platt remains grounded in the realities of a competitive industry, regularly auditioning for roles. His solo residencies, like the one at the Ahmanson, provide a welcome sense of stability and creative control. The shows uniquely blend theatrical narrative with the energy of a pop concert, reflecting Platt’s multifaceted talent.
A Return to His Roots
Growing up as the son of film and theater producer Marc Platt and philanthropist Julie Platt, Platt describes his upbringing in Los Angeles as “comically liberal” and “hugely privileged.” He attended the elite Harvard-Westlake School before studying at Columbia University in New York, drawn to the city’s vibrant theater scene and the opportunity to forge his own identity.
Returning to L.A. for the Ahmanson shows feels like a full-circle moment. “It’s a circle that hopefully will continue for many years and change,” Platt said, knocking on wood. “But at least for this chapter, it’s such a nice return.”
‘Ben Platt: Live at the Ahmanson’
Where: Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave.
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursdays; 8 p.m. Friday-Saturdays; 3 and 8 p.m. Sundays. Dec. 12 to 21.
Tickets: Start at $44.85
Contact: (213) 628-2772 or CenterTheatreGroup.org
Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes (with no intermission)