Photo: Matthew Murphy
Zachary Noah Piser is making Broadway history.
The actor will step into the title role ofDear Evan Hansen, becoming the first Asian American actor to play the role full-time.
Piser, who has been part of theDear Evan Hansenfamily since March 2019 and was most recently the ‘Evan’ alternate on Broadway, will begin in the role starting Tuesday at New York City’s Music Box Theatre. He’s currently slated to play the role through Aug. 7.
“Being the first Asian American actor to tell Evan’s story means everything to me, and I hope this milestone allows any and all AAPI folks to feel seen, heard, and valued,” Piser said in a statement. “And to start my run in May, a month dedicated to celebrating so many parts of my identity — AAPI Heritage, Jewish Heritage, and Mental Health Awareness — is the cherry on top!”
Matthew Murphy
Dear Evan Hansenreopened its Broadway production in December 2020.
Since first opening on Broadway in December 2016, the Stacey Mindich-produced show has become a sold-out smash, its message of teenage isolation and the importance of inclusiveness resonating with audiences of all ages. The show won six Tonys and the Grammy for best musical theater album. A novel and a 20-track deluxe edition cast recording were later released, withKaty Perrysinging acover of the show’s signature song, “Waving Through a Window.”
The musical currently has three productions running across the globe, with its Broadway, North American Tour and West End companies once again playing in tandem.
Piser joins a long list of talented actors who have played Evan on Broadway, including Tony winnerBen Platt, who originated the role;DWTSchamp Jordan Fisher;Real O’NealsalumnusNoah Galvin;actor Taylor Trensch; and Andrew Barth Feldman — the youngest actor to play Evanjoining the Broadway cast last January at just 16 years old while still a junior at Lawrence Woodmere Academy in Woodmere, New York.
For tickets, visitwww.dearevanhansen.com.
source: people.com
