Book: Steven Levenson
Music & Lyrics: Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
Reviewer: Christine Stanton
“Heartfelt & Humorous“
4.5 / 5
Dear Evan Hansen, today is going to be a good day, especially for the wonderful cast and creatives involved in this endearingly humorous, yet brilliantly emotional modern-day musical.
Gaining immense popularity on Broadway and the West End, and a following less popular movie adaptation, Dear Evan Hansen is touring the UK for new and old fans alike. A show that amplifies the voices of those not often in the spotlight, the subject matter is quite dark, but captured with a beautifully poignant realness, and packed with humour, to balance out the intensity in the storyline.
Evan feels like an outcast, he struggles to make friends at school, his mum is working all hours to keep a roof over their heads and he has an unrequited crush that has never even noticed him. Encouraged to go to therapy, he’s told to write himself a letter, manifesting a positive day ahead to try and rid him of the crippling anxiety that consumes him. But that letter ends up in the wrong hands, and fellow outcast Connor Murphy is found with it after committing suicide, prompting his grieving family to assume that Evan and Connor were best friends. Not wanting to let them down, Evan keeps up the pretence, painting a picture of their friendship that becomes mutually beneficial for both Evan and the Murphy’s. He gets the family unit, friends and popularity he’s always wished for, and they get answers and comfort from the tragic incident that threatened to tear their family apart.
Ryan Kopel is masterful in the titular role as Evan. His portrayal of the shy, awkward, anxious teenager is endearing and whole-heartedy likeable, even with the questionable behaviour he embarks on, adding an authentic layer to Evan that helps him become excellently captivating. His frustration and loneliness is shown with a remarkably believable performance, and his vocal range captures all of the layers of emotional depth and turmoil – an outstanding performer. Also fantastic within his role is the fantastically funny Tom Dickerson (Jared Kleinman), whose playful banter and jovial demeanor brings light relief in many scenes, his performance with Kopel and Killian Thomas Lefevre (Connor Murphy) is hilariously done. The entire cast though, bring Evan’s world to life – all of them making their mark on the show in their own way.
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s music and lyrics fit seamlessly within the narrative, every song impactful and engaging, each with a different feel and effect on the audience. ‘’You Will Be Found’ is full of emotion, ‘Waving Through a Window’ perfectly introduces the audience to the character of Evan and his inner thoughts, and ‘If I Could Tell Her’ is beautifully harmonious. The lyrics in the score are integral to the story and help drive the narrative forward alongside the catchy, enjoyable melodies.
The constant contrast between heartfelt and humorous is juggled perfectly, complimenting each other enough to create a perfect synergy. A great show, with an outstanding cast, that breathe new life into the show, while still staying true enough to the original that people love, leaving you with an unexpectedly rousing message of uplifting understanding and hope.
Runs until 29th March 2025
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