When the 23-year-old actor performed the hit song “Waving Through a Window” from the musical Dear Evan Hansen, it was met with a raucous response. He really got into character (as Evan Hansen) well, and left everybody in awe of his talent as an overall performer. It was worthy of the standing ovation that it received from his peers that were gathered at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
When his name was announced by Tina Fey as the winner of his competitive category, Platt was overcome with emotion and joy. In his moving and gracious acceptance speech, Platt offered some inspiring advice for the “young people” that were tuning in at home. He underscored the importance of young people staying true to themselves. “The things that make you strange are the things that make you powerful. Thank you,” Platt said, and he also expressed his gratitude towards his supportive mother, father and family members, in addition to everybody that worked hard on the musical.
Aside for Platt’s win for “Best Leading Actor in a Musical,” Dear Evan Hansen took home Tony wins in five additional categories, including “Best Orchestrations,” “Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical” for Rachel Bay Jones, “Best Original Score,” “Best Book of a Musical” and the prestigious “Best Musical.” Dear Evan Hansen was the production with the most Tony wins of the night, thus leaving Bette Midler’s Hello, Dolly! in second place with four wins.
