Tuesday 15th – Saturday 19th October 2024 – Theatre Royal Brighton
4 stars
Dear Evan Hansen takes a fresh approach to musical storytelling, combining serious themes, emotional songs and strong acting. Now on its first big UK tour, this modern show dives deep into the life of Evan Hansen, a socially anxious teen who, in a desperate attempt to fit in, gets tangled in a web of lies after the death of fellow student, Connor. What starts as a well-intentioned fib quickly snowballs into something far bigger than Evan could ever handle.
In the title role, Ryan Kopel nails the awkwardness and emotional chaos of Evan. His portrayal is complex. Evan’s actions are often pretty questionable, especially when it comes to his relationship with Connor’s sister Zoe, played with angst and fragility by Lauren Conroy). Kopel’s version of Waving Through a Window, a fan-favourite track, is particularly powerful, showcasing his impressive vocal range and the character’s inner conflict.
The music, created by The Greatest Showman duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, is full of heart-tugging tunes that have already made a big impact on the musical theatre scene. It’s easy to see why Dear Evan Hansen has collected major awards like the Tony and Olivier. The soundtrack, packed with hits, keeps the emotional energy high, while the storyline keeps you hooked.
One of the lighter moments comes with Sincerely, Me, performed by Evan, Jared (Tom Dickerson) and Connor (Killian Thomas Lefevre). It injects a much-needed dose of humour and energy into the show, providing some relief from the heavy themes.
Alice Fearn’s portrayal of Evan’s mum, Heidi, is a show-stealer. Her performance during So Big/So Small is raw and full of vulnerability, adding depth to the complicated mother-son relationship. Richard Hurst also stands out as Connor’s father, Larry Murphy, delivering a raw and emotional performance.
The musical tackles tough topics like mental health and grief head-on, and while the plot has moments that might make you squirm, the cast’s performances are so compelling that you find yourself fully immersed.
Though the storyline may raise some ethical questions, Dear Evan Hansen balances its drama and music in a way that draws the audience in, touching on themes of truth and the pressure to belong in today’s social media-driven world. If you can overlook the actions of its lead, you’ll find a deeply engaging show that sticks with you long after the final curtain.
