by Samantha Sheets“Thank you Evan Hansen for doing what you’re doing” are words spoken in the Broadway production “Dear Evan Hansen” that holds truth outside of the stage. The musical is written by Obie, Golden Globe, and Oscar Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who tackle dark themes and elements head-on and with ease in their show. The plot is loosely based on events from the creator’s high school experiences and revolves around title character Evan Hansen, played by Pitch Perfect’s Ben Platt. Evan uses the suicide of a fellow classmate Connor Murphy (Mike Faist) to obtain all he ever wanted: a place where he belongs. Through fake emails and exaggerated tales, Evan elaborates on the endearing friendship Connor and he shared and hid from the world. And while the true intentions of their relationship are often the butt of a joke, Evan is able to use this fictitious life to overcome his crippling anxiety. This lie not only consumes his own life; Evan befriends and helps the Murphy family cope with Connor’s death and becomes a second son to them. Evan paints Connor in an angelic light, when in reality he is deemed a “monster” by his own sister. Evan unintentionally attaches himself to a tragedy that eventually gives both he and his dead classmate unwarranted popularity. “Dear Evan Hansen” is a Broadway musical, so there are songs sprinkled in throughout the show. The show uses these numbers unconventionally by making almost all of them depressing and heartbreaking. Even the sweeter numbers, such as “For Forever” a number in which Evan describes a perfect day with Connor become doleful. Likewise with “If I Could Tell Her”, where Evan attempts to explain his feelings for Zoe behind the false facade of them being Connor’s true feelings. It is especially tragic when the audience is reminded that Evan and Connor were never friends and this is all a false manifestation within his head. What sets this musical apart from its predecessors is the reality the musical displays these taboo situations. Platt’s portrayal of an anxiety ridden teen is believable by his introductory monologue, as well as the slight unconscientious ticks that Platt uses. The show’s brilliant use of social media only further supports Platt’s performance, as well as the rest of the cast. The show’s creators not only cleverly promote the musical through social media, but they utilize technology in the show making it relatable to youthful audiences. Projections of tweets from classmates appear upon the stage as they share the death of Connor Murphy. The public embodies the positive and negative impact they can have over those directly involved in a tragedy. This is evident when Evan accidentally starts “The Connor Project” in honor of Connor and convinces the public to raise money. However, the public also shuns the family for not being able to prevent his suicide. Sung through musicals are my personal favorite, but this show has several scenes and dialogue in between numbers. And these scenes are what make the show a truly unique experience. Every argument expressed and every panicked outburst feels entirely real. Whether the characters are full-blown screaming at one another or they are sobbing openly on stage, the wording and diction of every line has a sense of realism. We have either been in their shoes or have seen someone be there. Evan’s lying for personal gain is inexcusable and horrible, yet you root for him because you see yourself in him. You acknowledge the selfishness of his choices, all while understanding it roots from his need to be needed. “Dear Evan Hansen” is two hours and twenty minutes of sadness and it leaves you in awe. You reach a point in the show where you think it has to get happier and yet that time never comes. It ends ambiguously and you can take two distinct and different interpretations, one more optimistic than the other. The way in which Connor committed suicide is also left up in the air. What we do know about Connor’s personality and life, Evan has constructed. Thus, the ability for the audience to interpret Connor’s death as well as the shows ending is an interesting decision made by the show’s creators. Like the high-schoolers they are portraying on stage, you are left to gossip about what you think has happened. What Evan knows about Connor is the same information the audience gains: nothing. So like Evan, the audience gets to create who they think Connor is. I am a Broadway aficionado. I have seen over twenty different Broadway shows and this includes the critically acclaimed musical “Hamilton”. While I really enjoy every song in “Dear Evan Hansen”, the music is not necessarily my favorite in comparison to other musicals like “RENT”. Nevertheless, this show has pushed itself to the top of my list. The music, scenes, and acting all come together perfectly and it leaves you in tears. As someone with anxiety, I wish “Dear Evan Hansen” could have been around when I was in high school. The show’s anthem “You Will Be Found”, are words everyone needs to hear at some point in their lives and this show nails how it feels to be an outcast. Simply listening to the soundtrack does not do the show justice. To quote the show once more, “Oh my God everyone needs to see this”.
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