Dear Evan Hansen actress Talia Simone Robinson becomes the first Black actor to play Zoe Murphy in the Broadway company. She succeeds departing cast member Gabrielle Carrubba. Robinson steps into the role of Zoe Murphy full time as of May 3, 2022. Previously, Talia was understudying the roles of Zoe and Alana.
Talia’s Journey to Broadway
Robinson is no stranger to leading roles. She was previously understudying Eponine and Fantine in the National Tour of Les Miserables in 2017. She was working on tour for two years before joining the Broadway company of Dear Evan Hansen. Robinson also maintains credits from working regionally at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and the North Carolina Theatre.
According to her personal website, “she hopes to develop new work and inspire young actors of color to achieve their dreams as she continues striving for her own.” Stepping into the role of Zoe Murphy certainly is helping her achieve her dream.
Piser and Whitely
Later this month, she will be joined by another history-making actor. Zachary Noah Piser, the current Evan alternate, continues to work with the Broadway company after joining the Dear Evan Hansen team in March 2019. It was previously announced in February of this year that he will be taking over the role of Evan Hansen full time starting May 17. In doing so, Piser will become the first Asian-American actor to step into the role full-time.
Talia Simone Robinson will not only be making history by stepping into the role of Zoe Murphy. She is also making space for Broadway newcomer D’Kaylah Unique Whitley who will step into the Zoe Murphy/Alana Beck understudy track.
Evan Hansen’s Success Story
Dear Evan Hansen began previews in November 2016 before opening a few weeks later that December. Having won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2017, after garnering 9 nominations, the stage musical is an ongoing success. In September 2021, a film entitled Dear Evan Hansen premiered starring Broadway’s original Evan, Ben Platt.
It is no surprise that Dear Evan Hansen is a smash-hit. It speaks directly to adolescents dealing with their own mental health battles. The message that speaks to everyone comes through how they show humanity of families trying their best when times get tough.
View this post on Instagram
