Etai Benson

Etai Benson is an actor best known for his Broadway career. His Broadway credits include Company, The Band's Visit, and Wicked.[1][2]

Early life and education

Benson trained at Stagedoor and the Moscow Art Theatre School.[3][4] He attended the University of Michigan.[5][6]

Career

Benson made his Broadway debut as Boq in Wicked.[4]

Benson joined the Broadway cast of The Band's Visit in 2017, originating the role of Papi.[7][8] He won a Grammy for the original cast album.[8]

In July 2019, Benson played Nate in an industry presentation of The Devil Wears Prada alongside Emily Skinner and Krystina Alabado.[9]

In October 2019, producers announced that Benson would play Paul in a revival of Company.[10] His casting was notable given that the role of Jamie was gender-swapped for this production; Matt Doyle portrayed Jamie.[11] The show began previews but the opening was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[12] In November 2021, Benson reassumed his role as Paul in Company.[13][14]

In 2023, Benson played Motel in the Paper Mill Playhouse production of Fiddler on the Roof.[15]

Benson starred as Seymour in the Ogunquit Playhouse production of Little Shop of Horrors in 2024; his costars included Talia Suskauer and Latrice Royale.[16]

In 2025, Benson joined the cast of Wonderful Town at New York City Center Encores! as Frank Lippencott.[17]

Personal life

Benson is married to actress Alexandra Socha; together they have a child.[1][15] He is Jewish and identifies as Israeli-American.[18]

References

  1. ^ a b "Broadway's Alexandra Socha & Etai Benson Tie the Knot". October 16, 2020.
  2. ^ "How Two Best Friends Came to Broadway Together With The Band's Visit". June 5, 2018.
  3. ^ Etai220 (2007-10-14). "Moscow Art Theatre Semester: Experience in Moscow: Part 1". Moscow Art Theatre Semester. Retrieved 2025-04-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ a b "Introduce Yourself(ie): 10 Questions with The Band's Visit Star Etai Benson | The Daily Scoop". www.broadwaybox.com. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  5. ^ boxcar-admin (2019-02-11). "SMTD Alumni win 2019 Grammy Awards". University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  6. ^ Dodge, Samuel (2023-09-14). "See how many Broadway stars this year are University of Michigan alums". mlive. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  7. ^ "Adam Kantor & Etai Benson Complete the Company of The Band's Visit on Broadway". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  8. ^ a b "Etai Benson Biography | Broadway Buzz | Broadway.com". www.broadway.com. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  9. ^ McPhee, Ryan (July 2, 2019). "Emily Skinner and Krystina Alabado Starring in The Devil Wears Prada Musical Reading".
  10. ^ "Matt Doyle, Kyle Dean Massey join Broadway revival of 'Company' - UPI.com". UPI. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  11. ^ "In 'Company,' Matt Doyle Finds A Broadway Breakout That Reflects His Lived Experience". HuffPost. 2022-05-27. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  12. ^ "Broadway's Etai Benson and Alexandra Socha Are Married". October 16, 2020.
  13. ^ dspry (2021-07-06). "Cast and New Dates Set for Broadway's Company, Starring Katrina Lenk and Patti LuPone". Boston. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  14. ^ "Cast and New Dates Set for Broadway's Company, Starring Katrina Lenk and Patti LuPone". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  15. ^ a b "Interview: A Blessing on the Roof for New Parents Alexandra Socha and Etai Benson - TheaterMania.com". 2023-12-15. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  16. ^ "Etai Benson, Talia Suskauer Join Ogunquit Little Shop of Horrors". August 6, 2024.
  17. ^ "Etai Benson, Javier Muñoz, and More Complete the Cast of Encores! Wonderful Town - TheaterMania.com". 2025-03-24. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  18. ^ Gergely, Julia (2024-10-07). "Jewish Broadway stars surprise NY congregation with a rendition of 'Seasons of Love' during Rosh Hashanah services". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 2025-04-30.