With music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and directed by Adam Penford, Dear Evan Hansen is a show I didn’t want to miss at Curve. Not only because I’d heard such good reviews about the musical, but I already knew a lot of the songs and couldn’t wait to hear them live on stage.
We are first introduced to 17-year-old Evan Hansen, who has severe social anxiety problems. He is on medication and attends therapy sessions. During these therapy sessions, he is told to write his feelings down in a letter addressed to himself and his mother encourages him to do so.
He goes to school with his arm in plaster after breaking it and while he is printing one of his ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ letters, Connor Murphy offers to sign his cast. Connor picks up Evan’s letter and sees Evan has been writing about his sister.
He takes the letter with him and disappears. Some days later, Evan learns Connor has died. His parents come looking for Evan, thinking Connor wrote the letter. Evan lies to Connor’s parents, aided and abetted by Jared Kleinman, making them believe they were friends, and, although done with good intention, the lies spiral out of control.
Ryan Kopel in the role of vulnerable teen Evan is just breathtakingly brilliant, he embodies Evan Hansen in every way. His version of Waving Through a Window just blew me away and his character keeps on building as the lies become more elaborate.
Killian Thomas Lefevre was perfect as the disenfranchised drug taking Connor Murphy and the Murphy family were so strong in their characterisation. Lauren Conroy’s character as Zoe Murphy shone and her rendition of Requiem was just perfect.
Evan’s mum Heidi Hansen played by Alice Fearn was completely believable in the role and had me holding back the tears when she sang So Big/So Small.
Tom Dickerson, who plays Jared Kleinman is also excellent in the role, bringing some humour to the script, and some real laugh out loud moments. His timing was spot on.
The set really took this show to the next level, creating a truly immersive experience.
The whole cast was just incredible throughout, demonstrated by the standing ovation. I cannot recommend this show enough.
★★★★★
Limited tickets available. Ticket prices £10-£77
