To See or Not to See: Dear Evan Hansen

It’s not often that a show captures an audience in such a poignant and beautifully tragic way as Dear Evan Hansen does. The musical, which premiered at Arena Stage last summer, has found a new home: Off-Broadway’s Second Stage Theatre. Ben Platt (Pitch Perfect, The Book of Mormon) is sensational as Evan Hansen, a teenage boy who carries the burdens of social anxieties, depression and a dark facade. His story is immediately accessible to a younger audience. Evan is a senior in high school who not only struggles with social interactions such as ordering food over the phone, but also feels a desperate need to belong. Dear Evan Hansen successfully depicts the contemporary struggle of self-identity and intertwines the themes of online presence, acceptance and grief. Written by award winning composing duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and directed by Michael Greif (Rent and Next To Normal), Dear Evan Hansen is a must-see for all ages.

Platt first met Pasek and Paul when he auditioned for Dogfight. Since he was too young for the role, the composers decided to keep him in mind for an upcoming project. It was then that he originated the role of Evan Hansen.

When the show premiered in Washington, D.C. it was met with critical acclaim and Platt was lauded for his inspiring performance. A few months and two cast changes later, the show found itself on 43rd street at Second Stage Theatre. Since previews began on March 26th, I’ve seen the show six times…I just can’t stay away.

In the opening scene of the show we meet our protagonist and his single mother Heidi (Rachel Bay Jones); they have a tense, yet loving relationship as they both cope with Evan’s anxieties. The way Platt carries himself, or rather, the way he carries Evan is impressive – his mannerisms, gestures and quick yet cautious delivery of his lines capture the essence of what an anxious teenage boy is like. Platt’s trembling hands, fidgeting feet and constant picking at his cast seem to come natural to the actor, which makes his performance convincing and never contrived. Other noteworthy performances come from Will Roland, who is the irreverent and unabashed Jared Kleinman and Mike Faist who portrays the troubled Connor Murphy. The three actors make a cheeky trio as they perform “Sincerely, Me”, a song that explains the fabricated friendship between Evan and Connor.

22 year old Platt proves to be as great a vocalist as he is an actor when he blows audiences away during his performances of “Waving Through a Window” and “Words Fail”. The songs will latch on to your brain and linger there for weeks which is no surprise because they’re orchestrated by Grammy Award winner Alex Lacamoire (yes, the same man responsible for the musical arrangements of Hamilton). Pasek and Paul were recently nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics and Rachel Bay Jones was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical. The show also received six Outer Critics Circle Awards nominations including Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical and Outstanding Projection Design (Peter Nigrini) as well as two Drama League Awards nominations (Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play and Distinguished Perfromance Award, Ben Platt). Audiences are eager to find out if/when the show will transfer to Broadway. With the accolades it’s been receiving, it shouldn’t be too long until the musical makes the big move and is celebrated on a bigger scale.

Although Platt shines, it’s important to recognize his outstanding co-stars as well. Glee‘s Laura Dreyfuss is Zoe Murphy, Connor’s younger sister and Evan’s love interest. But it’s unfair to reduce her to just that – Zoe Murphy is an emotionally complex character, displaying raw sentiments and struggling to be honest with herself. Dreyfuss’ performance is remarkable, especially when she shares scenes with the equally as talented John Dossett and Jennifer Laura Thompson who portray grieving parents Larry and Cynthia Murphy. Will Roland may depict the typical “jerk” but we see his dexterity with comedic delivery almost instantly as proven by the roar of laughter in the audience. Kristolyn Lloyd (Heathers) is also an audience favorite as the brazenly ambitious but genuine Alana Beck. Her voice is phenomenal and so is her ability to be liked, even if her character makes unpopular decisions. But it’s Rachel Bay Jones that truly delivers; her portrayal of a helpless but committed mother will leave you in tears, especially when she performs “So Big/So Small”. You will leave your seat wanting to give her a long, much-deserved hug.

It’s hard to understand just how beautiful this story is unless you see it live. Bring plenty of tissues with you because this show will make your eyes sting and your heart heavy. Platt’s versatility is awe-inspiring; one second he’ll having you laughing at his failed attempts to play it cool with Zoe and the next you’re crying with him, as he pours his heart and soul out on stage. Fans may love his Pitch Perfect character Benji Applebaum for being endearingly awkward but Evan Hansen will change their lives.

Final verdict: do you really have to ask? Of course you should see this show! It’s heart-wrenching, it’s beautiful, it’s cathartic.

Evan writes his last letter on May 29th so purchase your tickets here before they’re all gone.

Note: Second Stage Theatre offers a limited amount of Student Rush tickets for $23 and $30 under 30 tickets one hour before show time.

Photo Credit: Matt Murphy