Dear Evan Hansen
Book by Steven Levenson
Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Directed by Adam Penford
Nottingham Playhouse
Tuesday 17th September – Saturday 28th September
The eponymous Evan Hansen (Ryan Kopel) is a high school teen living with Social Anxiety, as do so many in our post-Covid, social media obsessed world. He is addressing his problems with medication, therapy sessions and the encouragement of his mother, Heidi (Alice Fearn).
She exhorts him to step out of his comfort zone and try to engage more with his peers. In addition, he has been tasked by his therapist with writing letters to himself to foster increased positivity. Thus begins an inexorable chain of events, touching on grief, identity, and belonging that hits you right in the pit of your stomach.
Evan claims friendship with a classmate who has taken his own life. Eventually, his lies begin to unravel when he is taken under the wing of the bereaved family, the Murphys. Parents Cynthia (Helen Anker) and Larry (Richard Hurst) are looking for answers and Evan seemingly provides them. Daughter Zoe (Lauren Conroy) is initially sceptical, but over time Evan convinces her that his friendship with her brother was genuine.
Kopel is exceptional. From the moment he finishes his first big song, Waving Through a Window, the auditorium erupts, and we know that we are in for a stellar performance. He is totally convincing. From his posture to the way he moves, his vocal inflections and his falsetto, his facial expressions and his projection, I find myself astounded.
The supporting cast is equally wonderful. Special mention to Fearn who has me silently weeping my way through So Big/So Small. As a parent, one can empathise that there is no ‘map’ to follow. Sacrifices and compromises must be made along the way, and you do not always get it right. Yet, one can also remember the acute embarrassment of being a teen, desperate to fit in, rebelling against parental authority, whilst keenly searching for your own place in the world.
One of my favourite lines of the night, in a book by Steven Levenson goes, ‘The only people who enjoy High School are cheerleaders and football players and those people end up miserable anyway.’ For so many adults, the sentiment of that statement will ring true.
If you are new to the Dear Evan Hansen phenomenon, and have not heard any of the songs, then do not let that put you off. It’s a winning score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (who are also known for the juggernaut that is The Greatest Showman.) There is universal appeal to their writing, whereby the songs enter your consciousness and immediately win you over. Moreover, they materialise organically from the action here, allowing both the performers and the band to shine.
The plot of Dear Evan Hansen doesn’t really stand up to close scrutiny, but to focus on plot is to short-change this production. In my opinion, the emotional payoff is a potent force. Adam Penford skilfully directs, making us genuinely care about all the characters, despite their obvious flaws. It reminds us that nobody is perfect, and we are all just finding our way. If that sounds cliched or overly sentimental, I make no apology. This show compels you to analyse your own failings, but then gives you permission not to let them define you. This is a message that all teenagers need to hear in our increasingly digital world. My plus-one for the evening is 17- years-old, the exact same age as Evan himself. He loves everything about the Playhouse interpretation. In his words, ‘They did the source material to perfection.’
You don’t have to be a teen to appreciate this impressive show. There are issues and talking points that all can appreciate. Be warned though, you may find yourself ‘ugly crying’ on the bus home. Nevertheless, that is all part of the uniquely wonderful and cathartic experience that is Dear Evan Hansen
Age Guidance 12+
Running Time Approx – 2hrs 35mins (including interval)
Photo credit Marc Brenner
