Carly could not wait to return to Milton Keynes Theatre last night (28/01) to see the highly-anticipated Dear Evan Hansen and here is her full review...
The experience
When we were given the opportunity to review Dear Evan Hansen I felt a bit indifferent about it because to be completely honest it was something that I hadn't heard a great deal about. I haven’t seen the film or heard anything about the stage show and had to reread the press release to find out what it was all about.
Well I am still shook from what I saw last night it honestly blew me and my Auntie away. She walked away saying it was the best thing she had ever seen at a theatre. I on the other hand have been playing the playlist all morning because the songs were just fantastic.
The show opens on the first day back at school, Evan doesn’t want to go. Evan is seeing a Dr who has encouraged him to write notes about his day. In a sad turn of events one of Evan’s letters is mistaken as the last words of a fellow student who had committed suicide. The story follows how Evan wants to please Connor’s parents by keeping up the story, righting Connor’s wrongs with his family.
We were literally on the edge of our seats waiting to see how this story would pan out knowing that he was digging himself a deeper and deeper hole but finding it so endearing as it was only coming from a place of kindness. The performance from Ryan Kopel was incredible, as were his vocals. Telling a story whilst singing can sometimes be tricky but every word was crystal clear.
The bond between Mother and Son and the song they shared on stage brought us all to tears. I loved watching their relationship, a single mum going through all of the emotions of bringing up an awkward teenager with no friends, making sure he was taking his medication, giving him ideas on how to make friends and loving him no matter his faults. The song 'Anybody Have a Map' portrayed how every parent must feel navigating the teenage years with Alice Fearn giving a stellar peformance.
Honestly this show is just amazing and I promise you will love every minute!
The story
The international sensation Dear Evan Hansen makes its debut in Milton Keynes this January, featuring a book by Steven Levenson and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
Today is going to be a good day. And here’s why…
Meet Evan: an anxious high school kid who wants nothing more than to fit in. The thing is, on his way to fitting in, he didn’t tell the whole truth. And now must give up on a life he never dreamt he’d have. As events spiral and the truth comes out, Evan faces a reckoning with himself and everyone around him.
Ryan Kopel (Newsies) will play the iconic role of Evan Hansen, alongside Lauren Conroy (Into The Woods) as Zoe Murphy and Alice Fearn (Wicked, Come From Away) as Evan’s mum, Heidi.
They will be joined by Helen Anker (Mamma Mia!) as Cynthia Murphy, Richard Hurst (The Lion King) as Larry Murphy, Killian Thomas Lefevre (Bat Out Of Hell) as Connor Murphy, Tom Dickerson (Heathers) as Jared Kleinman, Vivian Panka (9 to 5 the Musical) as Alana Beck and Sonny Monaghan (discovered via TikTok) as alternate Evan.
This is the first production of Dear Evan Hansen in the UK to perform the show with an ensemble. The ensemble are Lara Beth-Sas, Will Forgrave, Daniel Forrester, Jessica Lim, Sonny Monaghan and Shakira Simpson.
The casting team collaborated with TikTok during the audition process, inviting TikTok users who were interested in being cast in the production to upload a video of themselves singing any number from the show. The team then reviewed all submissions and invited those they felt could be a part of the cast to participate in the formal audition process. Over 2000 videos were submitted and of those, 36 TikTok users were invited to in-person auditions. Sonny Monaghan was cast in the ensemble, and as alternate Evan (performing the role twice a week, at every matinee performance), as a result of the TikTok collaboration.
Director Adam Penford said “I am beyond thrilled with the talented cast we have assembled. An exciting mix of musical theatre legends and rising stars. It's been nine years since the original show premiered, and it's an honour to be the first production to reimagine this powerful story through a contemporary lens.”
The production is also delighted to announce its partnership with The Mix, the UK’s leading digital charity for under 25-year-olds. The show deals with sensitive topics, very relevant to young people today, and this partnership will ensure that anyone affected by the issues explored in the show knows where to find support.
The Mix will provide training to the cast and creative team on how to appropriately respond to queries from the public, both online and offline, and equip them with the knowledge to direct individuals to the right support channels. The partnership also aims to create engaging and informative content to help elevate and empower young people at a time when they need it most. This will include resources and tips on essential life skills for transitioning into adulthood.
Morgan Large is Set and Costume Designer (Newsies, Sister Act), with Carrie-Anne Ingrouille as Choreographer (Six, Zoo Nation), Matt Daw as Lighting Designer (Pet Shop Boys, Lorde), Tom Marshall as Sound Designer (West Side Story, Sister Act), Ravi Deepres as Video Designer (School for Scandal, Woolf Works), Matt Smith as Musical Supervisor (Dear Evan Hansen, My Neighbour Totoro) and Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion & Natalie Gallacher Casting as casting director (Mean Girls, MJ The Musical, Moulin Rouge), Michelle Payne as Associate Director and Laura Llewellyn-Jones as Orchestral Manager.
Packed with some of the biggest musical theatre songs of the last decade, DEAR EVAN HANSEN has a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Oscar-winning composers for The Greatest Showman and La La Land) and a book by Steven Levenson. Its many awards include the Tony® Award for Best Musical, Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theatre Album.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN is presented by ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Book your tickets now
LISTINGS
Dear Evan Hansen
Performances: Tue 28 Jan - Sat 1 Feb 2025 (Evenings @ 7:30pm, Wed & Sat matinees @ 2:30pm)
Tickets: From £30*
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes
*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge
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