Dear Evan Hansen

The Alexandra Theatre

Birmingham

22nd-26th October 2024

‘Hope, healing and heartache in Dear Evan Hansen!’

ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions present The Nottingham Playhouse Production of Dear Evan Hanse, based on the book by Steven Levenson.

Dear Evan Hansen is a Tony Award-winning musical that made its debut in the West End of London, U.K., in November 2019 at the Noël Coward Theatre. The show is based on the 2015 Broadway hit with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

The story centres around Evan Hansen (Ryan Kopel), a socially awkward high school student who becomes entangled in a lie after the suicide of a fellow student, Connor Murphy (Killian Thomas Lefevre). Through a series of events, Evan fabricates a close friendship with Connor to cope with his own sense of isolation, which spirals into a heart-wrenching journey of self-discovery, deception, and the search for belonging.

’Finding friendship and forgiveness!’

The cast of Dear Evan Hansen at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham features a talented ensemble of performers as part of the UK tour including the talented Alice Fearn (Heidi Hansen), Lauren Conroy (Zoe Murphy), Helen Anker (Cynthia Murphy), Richard Hurst (Larry Murphy) and Tom Dickerson (Jared Kleinman); their performances, alongside the rest of the ensemble, contribute to a powerful and moving interpretation of the much-loved musical.

The stage set for Dear Evan Hansen is distinctive for its minimalist approach, designed to reflect both the inner world of the characters and the pervasive influence of social media. Morgan Large, the set designer, appears to have intentionally avoided elaborate physical sets in favour of a more abstract, digital-driven design.

The central feature of the set is the extensive use of digital screens and projections, which serve as a visual metaphor for the digital age and the way social media dominates the characters’ lives. The screens often show text messages, social media posts, and news headlines, which help to convey the viral nature of the story as Evan’s fabricated friendship with Connor spirals out of control. The projections depict what appears to be tweets, Facebook posts, and email threads, immersing the audience in the online world that plays a crucial role in the plot. The projections also help set the tone of Evan’s isolation and anxiety, illustrating how overwhelming and intrusive the online world can be for a teenager trying to navigate life.

The physical elements of the set are kept simple, often comprising just a few key pieces of furniture that are moved on and off stage as needed. Often represented by just a bed or desk, indicating the isolation and intimacy of his personal space. The school has bare minimum set pieces like chairs and lockers which are used to suggest different spaces, while the focus remains on the characters’ interactions and emotions.

This simplicity allows for smooth transitions between scenes and emphasizes the emotional content of the story rather than complex visual elements.

The lighting, designed by Matt Daw, plays a crucial role in creating mood and atmosphere, often highlighting Evan’s emotional states. Soft, cool lighting is used to enhance feelings of anxiety and loneliness, especially during numbers like ‘Waving Through a Window.’ At times, bright flashes are used to represent the overwhelming nature of the viral internet attention that Evan receives, heightening the sense of chaos when his lie begins to unravel.

The stage is often intentionally sparse, with characters frequently isolated in space to reflect the themes of disconnection and alienation. Evan often stands alone on stage, surrounded by empty space or dim lighting, further emphasizing his loneliness. In contrast, during moments of emotional connection or community - such as the song ‘You Will Be Found’ - the set becomes more active, with multiple characters interacting across the stage and the digital projections intensifying to show how Evan’s story spreads across the internet.

As the story takes place in a variety of locations like Evan’s home, school, the Murphy household, and online spaces, the set is designed to allow for fluid transitions. This is achieved by minimal set changes, combined with lighting shifts and digital projections to indicate a change in location or mood. For instance, the stage quickly transitioned from Evan’s bedroom to the school hallway with just a few subtle shifts in lighting and a change in the digital backdrop.

The abstract nature of the set allows the digital world to serve as both a literal and metaphorical backdrop for Evan’s emotional journey. The omnipresent screens are a constant reminder of the role technology plays in the characters’ lives, serving as both a connection to others and a barrier to true communication. The sparse and fragmented nature of the physical set mirrors the emotional fragmentation of the characters, particularly Evan, who is caught between his desire for connection and his overwhelming social anxiety.

The simplicity of the set design puts the focus squarely on the characters and their emotional struggles, allowing the audience to connect more deeply with the themes of loneliness, mental health, and the pressures of social media. The digital elements not only serve a narrative function but also provide a dynamic visual contrast to the otherwise understated physical space.

This combination of minimalist physical elements and modern digital projections creates an immersive experience that feels both intimate and contemporary, drawing the audience into Evan’s internal and external worlds.

The moral of Dear Evan Hansen revolves around themes of truth, mental health, connection, and the consequences of deception. The musical explores how loneliness, the desire for acceptance, and the impact of social media can drive someone to make harmful choices.

’Silence, secrets and self-discovery!’

A central moral of the story is the danger of lying, even when it begins with good intentions. Evan’s initial lie about his friendship with Connor spirals out of control, hurting others and himself in the process. The show demonstrates how even small deceptions can have far-reaching consequences, particularly when amplified by social media.

Dear Evan Hansen highlights the significance of mental health, particularly in teenagers, showing how anxiety, depression, and loneliness can deeply affect individuals. The show encourages empathy for those struggling with mental health issues and emphasizes the importance of reaching out for help and support, rather than suffering in silence.

At its core, the story is about the human need for connection and belonging. Evan’s actions stem from his intense loneliness and desire to be seen and accepted. The musical underscores the importance of building real, authentic relationships rather than relying on falsehoods or online personas to create a sense of belonging.

The role of social media in the story serves as a commentary on how digital platforms can both help and harm. While social media can bring people together and create a sense of community (as can be seen in the ‘You Will Be Found’ campaign/organisation), it can also distort reality and contribute to the spread of misinformation. The show warns about the pressures of living up to online expectations and how it can exacerbate feelings of isolation. By the end of the musical, Evan learns to accept responsibility for his actions and begins the process of making amends, both to those he hurt and to himself. The story emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, not only from others but also from oneself, as Evan starts to find peace in the truth and works toward becoming a better person.

Ultimately, Dear Evan Hansen teaches that while it’s tempting to hide behind lies to feel accepted, true connection and healing come from honesty, self-acceptance, and reaching out to others.

In summary, I would recommend Dear Evan Hansen, especially if you’re interested in emotionally powerful stories that address modern issues such as mental health, loneliness, and social media. The show has resonated with many people because of its relatable themes and poignant portrayal of anxiety, isolation, and the desire for connection.

The story is deeply moving, and it strikes a chord with audiences, particularly younger viewers who may identify with Evan’s struggles with anxiety, loneliness, and the pressures of social media. It also appeals to those who appreciate stories about human vulnerability and personal growth. The musical score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul is memorable, with songs like ‘Waving Through a Window’ and ‘You Will Be Found’ that have become anthems for people who feel like outsiders. The music helps communicate the characters’ emotions in a powerful way.

The show explores complex issues like mental health, the impact of lying, and how social media influences our lives. It’s a thought-provoking piece that encourages discussion about how we connect with each other in an increasingly digital world.

The characters are well-developed and feel real, especially Evan. His journey from loneliness to self-acceptance is one that many can relate to, and watching him navigate his mistakes and eventually seek redemption is both heartbreaking and hopeful. That said, the show can be emotionally intense, and the subject matter surrounding suicide and mental health may be difficult for some viewers. However, if you enjoy character-driven musicals with strong emotional themes and a modern-day relevance, Dear Evan Hansen is definitely a must-see.

‘Heartfelt healing in Dear Evan Hansen!’
 

Dear Evan Hansen is at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 26th October 2024 with tickets available at the box office and online at www.atgtickets.com