CentralDramaFeaturedMusicalReview

Dear Evan Hansen – The Alexandra, Birmingham

Reviewer: Mattie Bagnall

Music and Lyrics: Benj Pasek and Justin Paul

Book: Steven Levenson

Director: Adam Penford

“No one deserves to be forgotten. No one deserves to fade away”Trh

Musical Theatre is a powerful art form. It has the ability to unite, connect and empower. Dear Evan Hansen ticks all those boxes as it tackles some of the most sensitive and relatable themes that a modern-day musical has dared to tackle.

Steven Levenson brings to life a powerful and emotional story of a young and vulnerable Evan who finds it harder than most to feel accepted by himself and others. Throw in the American high school stereotypes and Evan finds himself up against a tide of isolation, bullying and rejection.

When his therapist tasks him with writing letters to himself to unlock the pain that is trapped inside, Evan soon makes matters worse for himself when fellow outcast Connor finds his latest letter professing his admiration for his, Connor’s, sister Zoe. When Connor sadly takes his own life days later, Evan is faced with a dilemma when his letters present him with an opportunity to develop an artificial identity that is at odds with his morals.

Mental health is a core theme of the musical and charities have recognised the show’s ability to raise awareness of such an important and prevalent issue in this way. Despite Evan Hansen being the protagonist, every character faces their own struggles and this adds more authenticity to the relationships that develop on stage.

The musical numbers by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul complement the story exceptionally well. Not only are the songs relevant and fit in seamlessly, but they also connect emotionally with the plight of each character at crucial moments of their journeys. On the subject of mental health, for example, Disappearhits home the feelings of loneliness and isolation that many are going through and brings this to the core of the show early on.

Every song feels personal but You Will Be Found is the most empowering as the audience is left stunned at the interval. The lyrics are heart warming, and the song becomes uplifting at the climax once all the characters are added. The lighting design is effective during this number too as the cold blue spotlight on Evan feels atmospheric and captures the emotion well.

The focus on social media and its impact are crystal clear in this production, and this only adds to the growing pressure that Evan faces as his web of lies gets tangled. The use of drop-down screens with thousands reacting to the news is reflective of the real world and the danger that even the most personal news can become an internet hit to be gossiped about.

Ryan Kopel is outstanding in the role of Evan. His ability to interchange between the socially awkward outcast to a deeply caring and emotional figure is really engaging and he takes the audience on that journey with him.

Much of what makes Evan socially awkward are his ever-growing feelings for Zoe Murphy. Lauren Conroy does an exceptional job portraying a character who has her own problems on the opposite side of the social spectrum to Evan. In carrying the burden of high school popularity, Zoe faces the troubles of a dysfunctional family life following her brother’s passing. Conroy does very well in helping us to connect with what Zoe is going through as she hopes to find her own sense of peace as the story goes on. Requiem is a standout solo performed beautifully by Conroy as she comes to terms with what has happened.

The rest of the cast are equally strong in their delivery and there are opportunities for all to share their own feelings through musical numbers. While it may feel like the story is focused on Evan’s journey, the way it is written really does give a voice to everyone.

That is what the show is all about. Dear Evan Hansen will break your heart and rebuild it piece by piece. There will likely be many tears in the audience as the story is so relatable and personal to many of those watching; put simply it is unmissable.

Runs until 26 October 2024 and on tour

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The Central team is under the editorship of Selwyn Knight. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

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