Andrew Durand Stars in Benjamin Button at Public Theater
The actor leads the Off-Broadway musical in New York City, which began performances on October 8, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Children’s Theater
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Actor Andrew Durand portrays the title character in the Off-Broadway musical The Curious Case of Benjamin Button at the Public Theater. The production, which opened on October 8, 2026, utilizes physical acting and costume design to depict the protagonist aging in reverse.
Why it matters
Durand took the role following a strong personal connection to the material, marking a transition after an intensive 16-month period of holding overlapping performance contracts. He intends to prioritize his personal life and reconnect with family after the production concludes.
The production earned the 2025 Olivier Award for Best New Musical. The show features a cast of actor-musicians and depicts the character of Benjamin Button starting at age 70.
The players
Andrew Durand
An actor known for his extensive stage work in productions including Shucked, Dead Outlaw, and Little Shop of Horrors.
Public Theater
A prominent non-profit theater institution in New York City that presents new plays and musicals.
The details
The production relies on a company of actor-musicians to perform the score using folk music traditions. Durand manages the physical requirements of the aging-in-reverse narrative through specialized stagecraft.
Timeline
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button won an Olivier Award in 2025.
Andrew Durand left The Rocky Horror Show on August 23, 2026.
The show opened at the Public Theater on October 8, 2026.
The production's final performance is scheduled for December 20, 2026.
Durand plans to travel to visit his family for Christmas 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This production follows the established success of its 2025 Olivier Award win, positioning it as a significant entry in the competitive New York theater landscape. Its arrival reflects a broader trend of importing critically acclaimed international works into the city's off-Broadway circuit.
Theatergoers can view the production at the Public Theater through the final performance date on December 20, 2026. Ticket availability and pricing are managed directly through the venue's box office.
The takeaway
Durand's commitment to this project underscores the intense scheduling demands often placed on established stage performers. The actor's decision to pause his career for family time highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining work-life balance in the performing arts.
What happens next
The production is scheduled to conclude its run on December 20, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more performances in the Children’s Theater section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Playbill.
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