Sonny Monaghan, the alternate lead in the first ever UK tour of the hit musical DEAR EVAN HANSEN, returned to Brighton this week for a homecoming performance of the show at Theatre Royal Brighton. PLAYING THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON
TUE 15 OCT – SAT 19 OCT
Before opening night, Eastbourne native Sonny revisited some of Brighton’s most iconic locations, including the Royal Pavilion and the North Laine. He also took time to explore the historic Theatre Royal Brighton—the third oldest purpose-built, continuously operating theatre in the country.
Sonny said: ‘Performing in a venue near my hometown is super special, because all my friends and family are going to come in and watch the show and get to see me as Evan. It also means I get to sleep in my own bed—which is a rarity on tour!’
Sonny was cast in DEAR EVAN HANSEN after being discovered on the social media platform TikTok. The casting team collaborated with TikTok during the audition process, inviting TikTok users who were interested in being cast in the production to upload a video of themselves singing any number from the show. Over 2000 videos were submitted and of those, 36 TikTok users were invited to in-person auditions. Sonny Monaghan was cast in the ensemble, and as alternate Evan (performing the role twice a week, at every matinee performance), as a result of the TikTok collaboration.
Presented by ATG Productions and Nottingham Playhouse by arrangement with Music Theatre International, DEAR EVAN HANSEN features a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Oscar-winning composers for The Greatest Showman) and a book by Steven Levenson. Its many awards include the Tony® Award for Best Musical, Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and the Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theatre Album.
Today is going to be a good day. And here’s why…
Meet Evan: an anxious high school kid who wants nothing more than to fit in. The thing is, on his way to fitting in, he didn’t tell the whole truth. And now must give up on a life he never dreamt he’d have. As events spiral and the truth comes out, Evan faces a reckoning with himself and everyone around him.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN stars Ryan Kopel (Newsies) as Evan Hansen, Lauren Conroy (Into The Woods) as Zoe Murphy, Alice Fearn (Wicked, Come From Away) as Heidi, Helen Anker (Mamma Mia!) as Cynthia Murphy, Richard Hurst (The Lion King) as Larry Murphy, Killian Thomas Lefevre (Bat Out Of Hell) as Connor Murphy, Tom Dickerson (Heathers) as Jared Kleinman, Vivian Panka (9 to 5 the Musical) as Alana Beck and Sonny Monaghan as alternate Evan.
This is also the first production of Dear Evan Hansen in the UK to perform the show with an ensemble. The ensemble are Lara Beth-Sas, Will Forgrave, Daniel Forrester, Jessica Lim, Sonny Monaghan and Shakira Simpson.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN plays Theatre Royal Brighton from Tue 15 Oct – Sat 19 Oct 2024. Tickets are on sale at ATGTickets.com/Brighton.