Ben Platt Launches 'Gay Americana' Era With Concert Residency

Ben Platt is gearing up for an exciting new phase in his music career this spring, making a grand return to Broadway while paying tribute to his idols Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli.

Ben Platt Launches ‘Gay Americana’ (Credit: IMDb)

As a way to commemorate the release of his third album, Honeymind, Platt will be the star of 18 shows at New York’s Palace Theatre, beginning on May 28. Following in the historical footsteps of iconic performers like Garland and Minnelli, Platt’s performances will be the Palace’s first live act since it closed for major repairs in 2018.

Although Platt never saw himself performing alone at this iconic location, he views this as the ideal chance to combine his Broadway background with his singer-songwriter career. He views his opportunity to play at the Palace as a fortunate break.

With his performances, Platt hopes to pay tribute to the legacies of Garland and Minnelli, two people who had a significant influence on his journey and who supported the LGBTQ+ community.

Michael Arden will be conducting Platt’s concerts, which will include Broadway references, special guests, and a heavy dose of “Honeymind” tunes.

Although Platt’s 2012 debut in the musical film Pitch Perfect launched his career, it was his Broadway portrayal of Evan Hansen that cemented his place in theater history. 2019 saw the release of Platt’s debut solo album, “Sing to Me Instead, which featured his strong voice. Platt had signed with Atlantic Records during his Dear Evan Hansen run. “Reverie, his sophomore album, 2021, experimented with an electro-pop vibe.

Platt attributes his creative and emotional empowerment to Galvin’s encouragement, which allowed him to truly express himself via his music.

With Honeymind, Platt now explores topics influenced by artists from the 1970s, such as James Taylor and Carole King. The album, which was released as part of Platt’s new contract with Interscope Records, explores his life story and his transition into gay manhood. The record cover art, which showcases Platt and his fiancé Noah Galvin, captures this new phase in their relationship as well as their mutual sense of ease and liberation.