Dear Evan Hansen has become something of a modern musical phenomenon since its premiere 10 years ago. Based on the book by Steven Levenson, it is now touring the UK and Ireland with an ensemble cast for the first time. The Palace Theatre welcomed them for their opening night in Manchester last night.
Evan Hansen is a mess. He’s a lonely, stuttering, anxiety ridden teenager with a friend list as blank as the cast on his arm. That all changes when troubled student Connor signs his cast – and takes his own life swiftly afterwards.
What follows is a lie that sees Evan create a fabricated friendship. The impact of this on Connor’s sister, parents, and Evan’s relationship to them underpins this tale of good intentions unravelling.
The play strikes a great balance between its heavy subject matter and comedic tone. It veers close to black comedy, pulling back just enough to retain its messaging, whilst keeping things light…ish.
Some of the jokes won’t please all. However, they cut through the darker moments sharply. Jared’s crass lines are delivered with wry wit by Tom Dickerson, and Vivian Panka’s neurotic busybody Alana got some of the night’s biggest laughs.
The cast shines most in the subtle moments, such as Connor’s bereaved mother gently folding his red flannel shirt. Zoe and Connor Murphy were played most excellently by their alternates Lara Beth-Sas and Will Forgrave – no mean feat given the inherent pressure of an opening night.
Our main focus of course is title character Evan. Ryan Kopel inhabits him with a quivering, easy charm. His vocal work is exceptional, embodying an authentic teenage experience without it ever feeling forced. No matter how deep a hole he digs, he is endearing throughout.
The staging makes superb use of refracting light through opaque surfaces, creating dynamic shifts in space and mood. Adam Penfor’s direction brings a fantastic sense of fluid motion throughout. Digital effects enhance the excellent musical performances, whilst keeping the social media commentary present, but not overwhelming. This is as polished a theatrical experience as you could ask for, and Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s Grammy-winning score lives up to the hype.
This is a thoroughly modern performance held in place by a tight, human story. The cast are great, the show is funny and moving, and unlike the weather here in Manchester, the sun shines bright for forever on Dear Evan Hansen.
Dear Evan Hansen is at the Palace Theatre until Saturday 22 February.
Feature image courtesy of ATG
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