Broadway in Chicago presents the Tony Award-winning musical DEAR EVAN HANSEN.
Dear Steven Levenson (book) and Benj Pasek & Justin Paul (music and lyrics),
This musical is amazing! You have brilliantly captured loneliness and isolation in this era of digital connectivity. And you tackled the desolation of this contemporary relevance with humor and hope.
The stage (Designer David Korins) is jam packed with multiple screens. Information from various platforms (Projection Designer Peter Nigrini) scrolls across each screen. From arrival, it’s on. This background noise is ever present. The animated visuals compete against the actual humans for our attention… just like in real life.
The story centers around Evan Hansen (played by an outstanding Ben Levi Ross). A nervous teen, Hansen has been tasked by his therapist to write letters to himself. One of his ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ letters ends up in the pocket of another teen. His fabricated explanation for how this letter is in another’s possession spurs a movement. His ongoing chain of lies unites a family, inspires a school and redeems a soul. And through his masquerade, Hansen finds his truth.
From his first note, Ross commands attention. His powerful singing has a perfect blend of strength and vulnerability. Pasek & Paul provide him plenty of opportunities to showcase both, especially in his solos; For Forever and Words Fail. Ross beautifully leads us into intermission with the uplifting anthemYou Will Be Found.
The score is a series of poignant songs. In Disappear, Pasek & Paul have the terrific company singing about the worst fears imagined. Jessica Phillips (Heidi) tenderly sings about a pivotal moment in her life in So Big/So Small. The songs masterfully tell the stories of change that inspire faith. And nod out to the always amazing Music Director Austin Cook, a Chicago favorite, briefly returning to the city on this national tour.
I LOVED it! It’s a beautiful homage to what life can be! Thank you DEAR EVAN HANSEN creators, cast and crew!
Sincerely, Me
P.S. Although this limited engagement of DEAR EVAN HANSEN is sold out, it will return July 7th – September 27, 2020. Secure tickets now!
Running Time: Two hours and forty-five minutes includes an intermission
At Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph
Book by Steven Levenson
Music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Music direction by Austin Cook
Directed by Danny Mefford
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 7:30pm
Wednesdays at 2pm
Saturdays 2pm and 8pm
Sundays at 2pm
Thru March 10th
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