Checking In With Dear Evan Hansen Star Talia Simone Robinson

Playbill catches up with Talia Simone Robinson, who made history May 3 when she became the first Black actor to play the role of Zoe Murphy full-time in the Broadway company of Dear Evan Hansen at the Music Box Theatre. Robinson, formerly the understudy for the roles of Zoe and Alana, succeeded Gabrielle Carrubba in the Tony-winning musical, which recently announced it will play its final performance this fall.

Robinson has also been seen in the national tour of Les Misérables as well as regional productions of Beauty and the Beast (North Carolina Theatre) and Grace for President (Children’s Theatre of Charlotte). 

What is your typical day like now?
A typical day for me starts with a good breakfast, taking care of my plant babies, going for a nice long walk, doing any work that needs to be done, and catching up on my shows (I'm watching Atlanta and Moon Knight right now!). There's a certain calm in the day knowing that I'm doing the show every night.

What does it mean to you to be the first Black actor to play the role of Zoe full-time?
It means the world to me! I hope to prove to aspiring young Black, Afro-Latina artists that they can take up space and shine in all parts of this industry. They can succeed in any role imaginable, and they can bring their entire selves to it. They don't have to change a single thing about themselves to achieve their dreams...READ MORE