SUBMITTED PHOTO
Hatter David Jeffery takes a backstage photo dressed as Connor Murphy before a national showing of "Dear Evan Hansen." Jeffery recently found out he will be continuing with the role on an even bigger stage, starting Broadway shows next year.
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@MHNmocranker
Hatter David Jeffery has worked his entire life for this opportunity – a major role in a Broadway musical.
Jeffery announced on his Facebook earlier this week that he would be performing for nearly all of 2020 and part of 2021 as Connor Murphy in the musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen.’
“This is a total dream come true,” he said. “This blindsided me in the best way possible.
“I feel so fortunate and honoured that they even considered me in the first place – let alone giving me the position.
“I could not think of a more rewarding opportunity than this.”
Jeffery started with the Toronto production of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ before landing a role in the national production. He then got word that the Broadway production was interested in casting him.
“They liked me as Connor and eventually offered me a spot on the Broadway show based off of my performances with the national show,” he said. “I know I’m stepping into really big shoes that will be tough to fill, but I’m excited for this opportunity.”
The musical has eight main characters, with Jeffery playing as one of them. He says he enjoys the role he knows quite well now.
“I’m playing as Connor and you could say he is a troubled teenager looking for people to connect with,” said Jeffery. “The musical is centred around a group of people trying to find ways to connect to others in an ever changing digital world.
“It looks at these kids and what can happen when you’re maybe not as communicative as you should be.”
Jeffery’s first performance on Broadway will be Feb. 11 after a couple weeks of rehearsal.
Jeffery was born and raised in the Hat and attended Medicine Hat High School. He says he has spent the last little while living out of his suitcase, but he will always call the Hat home.
“That’s pretty much all I did when I was in the Hat – I’m a small town community theatre actor,” he said. “I’ve been in so many shows back home in the Hat and it’s really worked its way into who I am.
“My years in the Hat really pushed me in that direction in life and I always look back on my years spent in Medicine Hat dearly.”
Jeffery says he cannot wait to get onto the big stage.
“So many people dream of this, so I know how lucky I am to have this opportunity,” he said. “Meeting all of the cool people I’m going to meet is something I’m really looking forward to – I’m not going to take this for granted.
“I want to prove to myself that I’m worthy of this stage.”
Now that Jeffery has made it to the big leagues, he says anyone pursuing theatre should chase their dreams.
“Just do it – go for it,” he said. “I took five years off after high school just to do community theatre just because I loved to do it.
“While I wouldn’t tell everyone to take five years off like I did – I do think it should be pursued fully if that’s what someone wants.”
