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Dear Evan Hansen - musical review

Now having kicked off its first UK tour, Dear Evan Hansen is travelling the country to share its story. The controversial yet critically-acclaimed hit follows Evan - a socially anxious outcast - as he negotiates a torment of mental health struggles alongside his high school experience. Through a mirage of fantastic show-tunes, the script sees a spiral of events unfold following the suicide of a fellow student, Connor. In an unexpected bid to navigate doing right thing, Evan must debate whether fitting in and offering comfort through a web of lies is worth tainting his conscience for.


Steven Levenson's book provides a perplexing basis for a plot. Unclear of its motive, the ideas behind the morality and subsequent emotional reaction (or lack there of, regarding the largely unresolved and abrupt storyline closure) leaves a lot of questions unanswered. Despite opening thought-provoking conversation as to whether Evan's actions are justified regarding Connor's death, explored across the musical, this doesn't correspond with the notion that it poses as more of an upbeat, coming-of-age story than a thinkpiece.


That being said, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul's score is well-crafted, incorporating a tapestry of lyrics to express the varied emotions presented across the production. A few of the best-loved, quintessentially theatrical tracks include 'Waving Through A Window', 'You Will Be Found' and 'Only Us'.


Ryan Copel's performance as Evan conveys his feelings excellently to give a convincing portral as he goes through the notions. Despite a fleeting appearance, Killian Thomas Leferve plays Connor with an oddly haunting essence, yet one of enthusiasm through the bluntness, particularly during 'Sincerely, Me'. Lauren Conroy is a vocal standout, displaying pure excellence in each moment on stage. Giving an honest reflection of a complex grief, she draws together the narrative through her role of Zoe Murphy, Evan's lifelong crush and complicatedly, Connor's sister.


From a character development perspective, there are several moments that would've appeared more authentic and impactful if approached with more vigour. Connor's dad, Larry (played by Richard Hurst) was not given the depth of feeling that would've allowed for a more meaningful arc to come from the role, as opportunity for rawness was numbed and largely dismissed by seeming absent to the situation, despite deep-rooted need for connection with Evan: a stiff contrast to his family members. On the other hand, while falling into the stereotypical 'too busy to be around nurse mum', Heidi - played by Alice Fearn - incorporates the blend of love and worry well, with Helen Anker as Connor's mum, Cynthia Murphy, similarly working graciously to apply the given script alongside Adam Penford's direction. Vivian Panka and Tom Dickerson become Alana and Jared respectively, both somewhere between friend and acquaintance for Evan.


Having had a few changes since its West End run, some of the set, designed by Morgan Large, is one of these elements. The frequent use of windows to represent seeing the world happening around him while remaining isolated was an obvious and marginally overused but somewhat effective choice. In conjunction, lighting by Mat Daw engulfs the stage in on-brand blue hues, and helps scenes like the phone conversations pop when illuminated. Generally simplistic in all, it leaves the storytelling exposed, thus highlighting both the positive and lacking interactions.


As a whole, there are many parts of the Dear Evan Hansen recipe that explain why it is so adored, particulary by its younger fans: the teenage angst, great compositions throughout the soundtrack, and (seemingly) wholesome message of finding yourself. There are pitfalls in the depth and sentience of the script, but there are reasons for it to be enjoyed, therefore worth making your own mind up, given its ample successes.



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