Dear Evan Hansen first premiered at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. in July 2015. It opened on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre in 2016 and ran until September 2022. It won Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score at the Tony’s. On a national tour, it stopped in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace from February 12th to March 10th in 2019. The film version was released on September 24, 2021 And now, in December of 2022, it opens at the Nederlander Theatre.
Evan Hansen is a high school student with high social anxiety. He finds it difficult to make friends, especially a girlfriend. His only companion is a friend of the family. A therapist suggests that he write letters to himself. After resisting for a while, he begins one with “Dear Evan Hansen”. He discusses his troubles and worries. This letter eventually gets into the wrong hands and he lies about it. These lies snowball into a bigger and bigger lie while at the same time helping Evan overcome his anxiety.
This is not your typical joyful Broadway musical. It is deeply emotional as it explores dark content. It is very well done and there is a lot of joy and laughter as well. The singing and music are also excellent, especially “Waving Through A Window”.
Anthony Norman is perfect as Evan, who is on stage for most of the show. He expertly expresses the social anxiety, even when it makes the audience uncomfortable. Pablo David Laucerica is charming and fun as Evan’s family friend. Alaina Anderson is excellent as Evan’s love interest. Nikhil Saboo greatly captures the conflicted brother character of Connor. John Hemphill and Lili Thomas expertly play Connor’s parents. It’s a very powerful moment when Hemphill’s character releases his emotions. Micaela Lamas is solid as Evan’s classmate searching for her place. Lastly, Coleen Sexton is powerful as Evan’s single mother struggling with work and classes.
Cost of a ticket: $132 (Orchestra Center)
PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It –
Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother
Get tickets now for Dear Evan Hansen through December 31st!
Quinn Delaney
PlaylistHQ 