29/03/2021
Decade by decade musical of the day - Dear Evan Hansen (2015)
A song to appreciate from this show: Words Fail
Standout lyrics from the show: Even when the dark comes crashing through, when you need a friend to carry you. And when you’re broken on the ground, you will be found. So let the sun come streaming in, 'Cause you’ll reach up and you’ll rise again. Lift your head and look around, you will be found. (You Will Be Found)
Why I love this show: A perefct example of a modern day musical in my opinion, and thousands of other peoples opinions. It took the world by storm not long after premiering on Broadway in 2016. The only show with as much levels of global success being Hamilton (again in my opinion). Dear Evan Hansen went on to win 6 out of 9 of it’s Tony Award Nominations.
This show has inceredible songs right throughout. From the iconic “Waving Though a Window” to the fun of “Sincerely, Me” to the goosebump causing song that is “You Will Be Found”, and the tear jerking “Words Fail”. Every song has it’s own unique thing, something that makes each song stand out, but also something that makes it fit in to this perfect collection of songs. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul deserve endless amounts of praise for what they created musically in this show. This is a show that has staying power in the world of theatre, down to the fact it’s relatable and its relevant, and it’s importance as a show.
It’s also important noting how incredible the cast were in that original Broadway run, the performers you will see on the cast recording. Ben Platt is simply a gift, Laura Dreyfuss is incredible, Michael Park and Jennifer Laura done everything as was needed, Rachel Bay Jones stole people’s hearts and won herself a Tony award for her portrayal as Evans mother. Mike Faust as Connor and Kristolyn Lloyd as Anna Beck brought a heartfelt sympathy to their roles. And Will Roland and Jared brought a level of energy and a humour to the show that was well needed and well performed.
This is a show for the modern soceity, with the show tackling issues such as: anxiety, depression, and self-worth. A show that has resonated with thousands upon thousands of people worldwide. And a show that has done good both on and off stage. With them partnering with several leading mental health charities and non-profits, it shows the impact this show has had on society. It’s more than just a musical. It’s evolved in to something else, something bigger. I love everything that Dear Evan Hansen is and stands for. And what is has done for some people. To tie it in to a song in the show, it’s made a lot of people feel that they have been found, that they are seen.
I love this show not only for what the show is in a technical sense, but what it is in general. I was looking for a way to describe this show and then I read something about the show that said “Just like Evan, many of us seek an outlet that makes us feel love and needed. However, it is important to realize that there are people around us that love us and care for us without us having to lie to them. This is not a typical musical full of happy songs and dance numbers, it is a sad and very relevant story. Audiences keep coming back for the message and the relatable characters. Dear Evan Hansen shares a message for everyone. You are not alone and you will be found.” And that is a message that needs to be preached from the top of the highest mountains. Again, this is a musical that has become more than just a musical. And for that, I love it. Theatre has endless possibilities of what it can do for people and Dear Evan Hansen is a perfect example of that.
Essay over.