THEATRE
Sydney Theatre Company & Michael Cassell
Book by Steven Levenson Music and lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
At Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne uni 16 Feb 2025
Reviewer: Kate Herbert
Stars: 4
This review is published only on this blog. I’ll present a radio review on Arts Weekly on 3MBS on Sat 1 Feb 2025. KH
Canberra and
Adelaide seasons are cancelled due to poor ticket sales.
Dear Evan Hansen is a dynamic and emotionally charged musical that tackles themes of mental illness, social anxiety, and the impact of social media in the modern world. Since its debut, the show has captivated audiences worldwide, earning both critical acclaim and controversy for its handling of serious topics such as depression and suicide. The Melbourne production brings these themes to life with a talented cast and powerful performances, though the moral complexities of the story remain thought-provoking.
At the heart of the musical is Evan Hansen ( Beau Woodbridge), a socially anxious high school student whose therapist advises him to write daily affirmations in the form of letters to himself. A chance encounter with the troubled school outcast, Connor Murphy (Harry Targett), sets off a chain of events that drastically changes Evan’s life. After Connor takes his own life, his grieving family discovers one of Evan’s letters, mistakenly believing that the two boys were close friends. Instead of correcting their misconception, Evan finds himself trapped in an ever-growing web of lies, aided by his mischievous cousin, who helps fabricate an email trail to support the false narrative.
What begins as an awkward misunderstanding soon spirals into a social media phenomenon. Evan becomes a symbol of hope and resilience, his fabricated friendship with Connor inspiring an entire movement. As he is embraced by Connor’s parents and develops a romantic relationship with Connor’s sister, Zoe (Georgia Laga’aia), Evan experiences a newfound sense of belonging and confidence—an ironic twist given the foundation of deception on which his success is built.
The cast delivers standout performances, with Beau Woodbridge taking on the demanding role of Evan. His vocal strength and stage presence make his portrayal both compelling and convincing. He expertly transitions from the timid, anxious teenager to an outwardly confident young man, even as the audience remains acutely aware of the emotional turmoil lurking beneath the surface. Verity Hunt-Ballard as Evan’s mother, Heidi Hansen, is a standout, her warm vocal tone and heartfelt performance adding depth to the production.
Despite its emotional depth and poignant themes, Dear Evan Hansen leaves audiences with a moral dilemma. The story seemingly justifies Evan’s lies, as he faces minimal consequences for his deception. While he ultimately confesses, the repercussions are muted, and his life continues to flourish. This ethical ambiguity has sparked debate among audiences and critics alike, raising questions about accountability, redemption, and the power of social media to shape narratives.
This production of Dear Evan Hansen is a moving and thought-provoking experience, boasting strong performances, an evocative score, and a contemporary story that resonates with modern audiences. However, its portrayal of morality and truth may leave some viewers with lingering unease.
By Kate Herbert
