“Dear Evan Hansen” Review

Over the Thanksgiving break, I saw the new broadway musical, “Dear Evan Hanson.”  The show circulates around Evan Hansen: a friendless, anxiety ridden teen attempting to navigate the terrifying world of his senior year in high school. Evan is wonderfully and authentically played by Ben Platt, whose name you might recognize from the blockbuster film “Pitch Perfect.” Platt’s awkwardness is what makes him so likeable; the simplest human interactions sparking nervous eye twitching and endless apologies. Platt’s performance is so honest and exposed that, at points, I almost felt like looking away just to give him some space. Somehow, the show had the audience in tears and dying laughing at the same time.

Though often comical and and lighthearted, this show addresses some very dark subjects as well. Evan finds himself involved in a family tragedy of another teen, and subsequently in an ever-growing snowball of lies. Through it’s heartbreaking songs and fitting script, this show sheds light the minds of its characters to reveal their deepest regrets, flaws, and scars.  The audience has the privilege of seeing each character’s real feelings that were initially hidden behind their public visages.

Teenage angst, parent-child relationships, and unrequited love are all themes beautifully illustrated in “Dear Evan Hansen.” Sometimes, while watching a play or movie, my attention might drift at points or I might get bored. There was not a moment during the show where this was the case. I felt fully involved in the story, and could really relate to what many characters were struggling with. I would absolutely recommend seeing this musical, and honestly would not mind going again!