David Jeffery, left, as Connor Murphy, and Jordan Fisher, as Evan Hansen, are seen in "Dear Evan Hansen" on Broadway. (Photo courtesy of David Jeffery)

By Chris Brown

The curtain will rise again

‘Surreal’ Broadway debut for Medicine Hat’s David Jeffery, looking forward to getting back

Apr 5, 2020 | 10:22 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Already in 2020 David Jeffery has experienced two things that he hadn’t dreamed of only a year ago.

On the one hand, he made his Broadway debut on Feb. 11.

On the other, he was home in Medicine Hat only a month later after Broadway went dark amid COVID-19 concerns.

Looking back on his debut, Jeffery, who plays Connor Murphy in “Dear Evan Hansen,” says it was unforgettable.

“The fact that it happened is kind of surreal. I remember feeling very grateful that I was able to have my family there, I was able to have my girlfriend there, I had friends there,” Jeffery said this week.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

19h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

Dec 11, 2024

Jeffery recalls being nervous and anxious the day of his debut but that once the curtain went up it was familiar territory.

“Ultimately the performance element does not really feel any different than say performing here in Medicine Hat at the Esplanade,” he said. “The only difference was the weight of the moment and the brand name that is Broadway.”

That first month went by fast he said, and it all became very natural quickly thanks to spending most of 2019 playing the same role in the Toronto and the Canadian touring productions.

Jeffery has been enjoying his time back in Medicine Hat, and says it’s never a bad thing to come home. But he’s thinking about The Big Apple often.

“Obviously it’s terrible what’s happening and I feel for all those people on Broadway who may be financially stressed,” he says.

When Broadway was shut down in March, the original plan was to re-open on April 13. There’s been no official word on that since, but estimates now stretch into the summer.

Jeffery will be back as Connor Murphy whenever Broadway does light up again and is looking forward to the return.

“I love doing the show and I’m very excited to get back and see all my castmates and continue telling the story.”