First things first, I think you should know what is going on during the musical. So, Evan Hansen is a socially awkward, anxious senior in high school. Evan takes pills and goes to a therapist to control his anxiety and teaches him how to communicate with the world. One of his assignments his therapist assigned him was to write a letter to himself why today is going to be a good day and why. Evan wrote his first letter to himself and printed it in the school computer lab. Connor Murphy, another social outcast, takes Evan’s letter. I won’t spoil the rest!
I think this musical is important for everyone, especially teenagers. Dear Evan Hansen revolves around loneliness, anxiety, suicide, and the power of social media, whether it is for better or for worse. Dear Evan Hansen is taking all social media platforms by storm. Using the hashtag #youwillbefound, shows that everyone using this is aware suicide and depression and are will to help anyone in need of a friend or someone to talk to.
Some songs were so powerful and meaningful and it was overwhelming, and half the show I was wiping my eyes from tears. During most of the show I heard a symphony of sniffles from everyone around me, including men and women.
To perfectly balance the tragic, tear-jerking songs, actor Will Roland (Jared Kleinman) comes in and cracks a joke to lighten the mood. Also, the cast only consist of 8 members, but the sound that filled the room could knock you off your feet. I know there were microphones, but I think their voices were loud and strong enough. Also, the orchestra was in an abnormal place. Usually the pit orchestra is underneath the stage, while in the Music Box Theater, the pit was actually in the top left corner, I can clearly see the pages turn and the bows of the cellos and violins move to create the fantastic sound. Also, the set was very simple, and it didn't take my attention away from the actors and actresses on stage.
I went to this musical with my high school, and it turns out that the leading female role, Zoe Murphy (played by Laura Dreyfuss), actually went to my high school! Laura told us after the show that she had one of our english teachers and our band director. My band director told us that Laura played flute, while her sister plays tuba and harp. I couldn’t believe that someone with that much talent actually walked the same hallways I do right now!
(Laura Dreyfuss and I after Dear Evan Hansen)
Dear Evan Hansen, really made me think about the people around me. When I am at school and the social outcast is sitting alone, should I sit with them? The answer is yes, you never know who is in need of a friend, and being that friend might even save their life.
