Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Ben Platt Live From Radio City Music Hall’ on Netflix Gives The Stage and Screen Star Yet Another Chance To Shine

Multihypenate talent Ben Platt, best known for his roles in the movie Pitch Perfect, Ryan Murphy TV series The Politician, and the Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen embarked on a tour last year in support of his debut album of original songs, Sing To Me Instead, filming the last stop of the tour in New York City. Ben Platt Live from Radio City Music Hall captures that performance in a new concert film now available on Netflix. 

BEN PLATT LIVE FROM RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

The Gist: If you’re unfamiliar with Platt, you’re clearly not a theater kid. He’s captured the hearts of people young and old alike, especially after his starring role in Dear Evan Hansen, so much so that if you didn’t know better, you might think this was some kind of religious service the way the crowd here hangs on his every word spoken, music note sung, and step taken across the stage.

From the sound of his voice and his style of music, I thought he might fall into more of a Mom Music category, such as the Josh Grobans and Michael Bubles of the world. But one glance at the crowd present at Radio City Music Hall (which even includes a brief shot of his pals Anna Kendrick and Billy Eichner in the audience) and it’s evident just how important he is to so many young people.

The 90-minute set finds him performing a variety of songs from his album in a show that’s packed with high energy, high emotion, and no frills. No costume changes, no stunts, just Ben, those blue pants, and his excellent voice on display.

What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: It reminded me a bit of another Netflix concert film, Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids. While that one completely ignored the audience on hand in favor of all the action happening on stage, this special blends the two elements nicely. The audience is a big part of the experience here, but what’s happening on stage, and there is a lot happening, is also exciting.

Performance Worth Watching: The band and backing singers here add so much to this show, but it is hard to take your eyes off Platt. There are no fancy tricks or dance moves but it’s easy to see how he’s able to own the stage at all points of the show.

Memorable Dialogue: Platt was notoriously private for much of his career, so the impact is felt when he shares his sweet coming out story in between songs. It’s personal and heartwarming and feels super intimate even amongst thousands of his closest friends in the music venue (not to mention all of us watching at home).

Single Best Shot: Maybe I’m basic for loving the way this special was shot but between those overhead shots and the way the cameras wander back and forth in front of the stage, it really adds another dimension to the performance and makes me feel like I’m in the room. Part of this is due to the fact that Platt wisely enlisted executive producer Ben Winston (who has previously produced One Direction concert films) and his Fulwell 73 production company for the special to help it feel as momentous as it likely felt to those present. Not too many artists have a special after the release of their first album that looks this sleek, but not too many artists are Ben Platt.

Sex and Skin: No, this concert special is for the whole family — in fact, it might even be best to watch it as a family. In fact, Platt even reveals which Sex and the City character he is and it should tell you everything you need to know that he’s a Charlotte. He discusses dating apps and romance and other matters of the heart, but nothing too scandalous here.

Our Take: To be completely transparent, I’m not a theater kid. I didn’t go into this as a diehard Ben Platt fan, but I did bring my open mind and appreciation for music and a good performance. He entertained me. The look, the feel, the sound, the vibe: it’s a really well done special, that is for sure. If anything, it only confirmed this guy was made for the stage. He can (and does) sing his heart out and the songs are pleasant enough that you’ll enjoy watching this special or even putting it on in the background while you clean your home and hum along. It’s nearly impossible to dislike, really. Again, I love the energy coming from this excellent band and the backup singers that truly make this a polished performance. Plus, Platt’s stories in between songs help him to connect with viewers, giving off a self-deprecating and relatable vibe when, as soon as he opens his mouth to sing, it’s clear he’s got an abundance of talent. But hey, he’s daring enough to admit to the crowd that he hates cats and how he felt when his heart was broken. The special is lovely and pleasant for those only mildly interested and likely a real thrill for his biggest fans. If you can’t find something to like here, do you just hate joy?

Our Call: STREAM IT. It’s just really nice, so why not?

Where to stream Ben Platt Live From Radio City Music Hall