Dear Evan Hansen – Theatre Royal Brighton
Tuesday 15th – Saturday 19th October 2024
Dear Evan Hansen breaks the musical mould, bringing emotion and heartfelt drama to the stage through catchy songs and very strong performances.
Now on its first major UK tour, this modern musical brings the emotional journey of Evan Hansen, a socially awkward teenager, to the stage. Evan’s desperate desire to fit in leads him down a path of deception when he pretends to be friends with Connor, a student who has died, setting off a chain of events that quickly spirals out of control.
Ryan Kopel shines in the lead role of Evan, perfectly capturing the vulnerability and inner turmoil of a character who makes seriously questionable decisions, especially when he is romancing Connor’s sister, played by Lauren Conroy who oozes anger and heartbreak in every biting line.
The character of Evan is hard to root for but equally hard to dismiss. Ryan Kopel’s rendition of Waving Through a Window, one of the musical’s most iconic numbers, hits all the right emotional notes and his vocal soars.
The score, penned by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the duo behind The Greatest Showman, is packed with some of the most memorable musical theatre numbers of recent years. The show has already scooped up some big awards, including the Tony for Best Musical and an Olivier Award, and it’s easy to see why. The songs tug at the heartstrings, and when paired with a storyline that keeps you hooked, Dear Evan Hansen makes for a compelling watch.
Another standout number, Sincerely, Me, performed by Evan, Connor (Killian Thomas Lefevre) and Jared (Tom Dickerson), brings much-needed levity and energy to the show, offering a fun break in the otherwise intense narrative.
Alice Fearn’s portrayal of Evan’s mother, Heidi, is another highlight, particularly during So Big/So Small. Her raw emotion, paired with a powerhouse vocal, adds layers to the mother-son relationship that lies at the heart of the story.
Richard Hurst, as Connor’s dad, Larry Murphy, delivers a moving performance and strong vocals, even making a song about a baseball glove unexpectedly poignant.
While Dear Evan Hansen doesn’t shy away from tackling difficult themes like mental health and grief, it’s the performances that give the production its emotional weight. Sometimes watching the musical feels like watching a film and many audience members teared up.
There are some plot points that are likely to raise eyebrows but the actors’ ability to connect with the audience makes it easier to navigate the more problematic aspects of the storyline.
Overall, Dear Evan Hansen in Brighton strikes a balance between drama and music, pulling audiences into Evan’s world while raising important questions about truth, lies, social media and the desire to belong. If you can shake off the questionable actions of its lead character, you’ll love it.
Dear Evan Hansen tour review – 4 stars
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