“Dear Evan Hansen” Conveys A Powerful And Modern Message

When hearing the words “musical theater,” “Dear Evan Hansen” isn’t what would typically come to mind. In an industry that is usually associated with tap dancing and extravagant musical numbers, the show tells a poignant and unique story that touches on subjects such as bullying, suicide, and mental illness, having audiences crying 20 minutes into the first act. The production lets viewers laugh, sob, and learn that many others face similar struggles.

The musical, directed by Michael Greif, centers around 17-year-old outsider Evan Hansen (Ben Platt), who suffers from social anxiety and is advised by his therapist to write letters to himself in order to improve his confidence. Evan prints out a letter at school, which is spotted by Connor Murphy (Mike Faist), Evan’s tormenter and equally alienated classmate, who takes the letter home after mockingly signing the cast on Evan’s arm.

Evan returns to school to be informed by Connor’s parents that, shortly after their interaction, Connor committed suicide with Evan’s letter in his pocket. With the note giving Connor’s parents the false belief that Evan was one of their son’s only friends, Evan is integrated into the Murphy family and begins to form a relationship with Connor’s sister, Zoe, whom he has long admired.

Composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul tell the show’s story through songs that illustrate Evan’s thought process when interacting with others, his relationship with his frequently absent mother, and the shock of Evan and those around him when it is revealed that Evan was not close with Connor. The songs narrate every event, from Evan nervously making up a story about time he spent with Connor to Evan finally realizing that he doesn’t have to put up a front to be accepted. The pop-rock style of the show’s score differs from classic show tunes, yet exhibits the emotions of high school students and their families in an honest and thought-provoking way.

“Waving Through A Window,” one of the show’s more well-known songs, describes how Evan is affected by social anxiety with lines such as “Give them no reason to stare / No slipping up if you slip away / So I’ve got nothing to share / No, I’ve got nothing to say” that narrate how Evan goes about his day-to-day life.

The musical’s songs range from upbeat and catchy, like “Sincerely, Me,” to more lyrical and truthful, as in “Words Fail,” in which Evan tries to explain to Connor’s parents the reasons behind him letting them believe that he and Connor were friends. The well-written lyrics were accompanied by strong singing and music that stuck with viewers throughout the performance. Judging by the amount of tears at intermission, the score definitely struck a chord with the audience.

The powerful message in “Dear Evan Hansen” is communicated not only by musical numbers, but by believable and passionate acting. Ben Platt hit the nail on the head with every aspect of his portrayal of Evan Hansen, down to the blinking and fluttering that accompany Evan’s anxiety.

Platt, with Laura Dreyfuss’s quirky yet charming take on Zoe, make for a believable couple that the audience could relate to. Rachel Bay Jones is perfectly fit for the role of Evan’s mother, starting out the show by doting and being supportive in “Anybody Have A Map?” and revealing the genuine and straightforward side of her in “So Big/So Small.”

Kristolyn Lloyd provides comic relief as the dedicated and studious Alana, Connor’s self-proclaimed “closest acquaintance,” and co-president of the “Connor Project,” an organization centered around remembering Connor and essentially convincing Connor’s parents that Evan cares about their son.

The rest of the cast’s performances, such as Jennifer Laura Thompson and John Dossett as Connor’s parents, Will Roland as Evan’s sarcastic family friend, and Mike Faist as Connor, help tie the musical together by creating a varied range of characters that make the show feel believable.

“Dear Evan Hansen” is also endearing through its visual aspects. The cast moves on and offstage on set pieces that allow for smooth transitions. The stage’s backdrop was a set of screens that reflected the plot and highlighted different aspects of the performance. As the “Connor Project” gains an internet presence, the set flashes images of social media profiles and comments praising Evan and Alana’s work.

With social networking being such a huge aspect of our culture today, it’s refreshing to see a show that revolves so heavily around interactions on the internet. These images also change to correspond with Evan’s emotions at different points in the show. This gives another dimension to the performance, helps the audience follow along with the plot, and punctuates significant scenes. During “Waving Through A Window,” texts and pictures flash by quickly to convey desperation and urgency.

What attracts so many people to the production is how viewers can see themselves onstage. The musical sheds light on issues such as suicide, dysfunctional family relationships, and mental illnesses that are extremely prevalent in today’s society, but are also often misrepresented.

Most people have probably felt like outsiders at some point in time, especially in high school. By adding details such as Evan taking medication for his anxiety and Connor not being able to form a relationship with his parents, the show stays true to reality and allows the audience members to feel as if their own stories are being told.

The show reaches out to audiences by reminding us that no one deserves to be forgotten, and you are not alone. While the most of the characters in the show are high school students, audiences will be able to see themselves in “Dear Evan Hansen,” regardless of age.