Dear Evan Hansen review

A simplistic set initially raised concerns of an underwhelming performance, but the play balanced the basic design elements with acting skills that were second to none to create an unbelievable and memorable evening show.

Dear Evan Hansen review

Walking into beeping notifications and twitter feeds, I already had the feeling this would be a unique experience. With such a simplistic set, I had the worry that the show may be edging on underwhelming. I mean, any West End show must have incredible set design, right? WRONG. Musicals have a stereotype of being more fun and feel-good, but even with a cast of only eight, the performances given by every cast member were some of the best I've seen. Evan Hansen himself, played by Sam Tutty, was phenomenal in expressing such a complex character. I couldn't begin to believe that this was his West End debut! Never have I experienced a show where such genuine emotions were felt.

The plot follows teenager Evan Hansen, who suffers with social anxiety, and classmate Connor Murphy, an antisocial and aggressive drug-user who’s sister Zoë is Evan’s crush. Evan’s therapist has told him to write letters to himself about the good parts of each day, and in one of these letters he mentions Connor’s sister Zoë. Connor bumps into Evan and notices his sisters name in the letter, becomes furious and grabs the letter from Evan.

Soon, Evan finds out that Connor has committed suicide, and is called by Connor’s family as a friend of Connor’s. Evan, clueless, goes with to find out that Connor had his therapy letter on him when he died, titled “Dear Evan Hansen, and signed off, “Sincerely, me.” The Murphy’s assume the letter is from Connor to Evan, and Evan struggles to tell the truth about the letter’s origin. The play follows Evan as he navigates his previously non-existent friendship with Connor, and tries to comfort his family while staying true to himself.

You know it’s moving when you’re crying before the interval – that’s usually saved until the ending! But I spent the entire show in second-hand anxiety for the main character Evan, who carried this massive secret with him throughout the play. Edging on selfish but still being able to evoke sympathy, his motives were real and, to an extent, relatable. He just wanted the people around him to be happy!

The emotive and often stigmatised themes were handled with great care, somehow encouraging thoughts and conversations that aren’t easy or common in a sensitive and truly special way. The tagline of the musical, ‘you will be found’, rings throughout the play as we follow Evan through an unusual but thought-provoking chain of events that led to tears streaming endlessly down my face (in a good way!).

Words can’t describe how effectively director Michael Greif handled the incredibly written script, and I can’t stress how much I recommend this show.


https://dearevanhansen.com/london/#ticketingtips

Show: Dear Evan Hansen
Venue: Noël Coward Theatre
Date reviewed: 29th February

Header Image Credit: Charlotte Hooker

Author

Charlotte Hooker

Charlotte Hooker Contributor

I’m a psychology nerd with a huge love for everything theatre and music! While I do my A-Levels (including theatre studies) I’m trying to make sure I stay sane by surrounding myself with arts culture I adore. I’m working towards my Gold Arts Award as well after doing Bronze and Silver, and am constantly working on a new show, either backstage or on! My Gold Arts Award website is https://charlottegoldartsaward.weebly.com :)

We need your help supporting young creatives

Recent posts by this author

View more posts by Charlotte Hooker

0 Comments

Post A Comment

You must be signed in to post a comment. Click here to sign in now

You might also like

West End Actor Interrogates Stereotyping Faced by Latinx People in Soho Theatre Solo Show

West End Actor Interrogates Stereotyping Faced by Latinx People in Soho Theatre Solo Show

by Daniel Miller

Read now