Invited| Review by Aaron Whittington
Dear InNewcastle readers
Today’s going to be an amazing day…and here’s why because Dear Evan Hansen arrived at the Sunderland Empire this week bringing this multi award winning show to the North East Stage.
I hadn’t seen the original stage production, but took the opportunity to see the film when it came out and rewatched it last week before coming to see it. Dealing with the topic of mental health is always a sensitive one and this storyline is powerful. Full of Emotion (yes I shed a few tears at the film). It was also Sad, yet hopeful, covering topics of suicide, grief and friendship.
The musical centres on Evan Hansen, an anxious and socially isolated high schooler who becomes entangled in a web of lies after a classmate, Connor Murphy, dies by suicide. Through a misunderstood letter, Evan is mistaken as Connor’s close friend, and the lies grow as he becomes a source of comfort to Connor’s grieving family.
As Evan’s fabricated story gains traction, he experiences a newfound sense of belonging and attention, particularly through an online campaign called “The Connor Project.” However, the facade begins to unravel, forcing Evan to confront the consequences of his actions and come to terms with his own mental health struggles.
This production was the first to have permission to reimagine the show, introducing an ensemble and reimagining staging introducing an editorial screen in the background.
To start, this production was as powerful as I expected it to be. Ryan Kopel was outstanding as Evan Hansen. I found his characterisation just superb. An almost constant anxiousness to his actions and what he says. But when he burst into song I saw a confidence and he delivered it superbly. I truly loved his performance, his delivery of You Will Be Found brought a small tear to my eye.
Lauren Conroy as Zoe Murphy, sister of the deceased Connor was fantastic also. I saw a sister who was grieving, one that didn’t see the things others did in her brother yet has a hole in her heart, one that sought hope that her brother did in fact pay an interest in her. From Conroy I felt an anger and sadness that was delivered beautifully.
The character of which triggered this whole story line Connor Murphy played by Killian Thomas Lefevre delivered wonderfully. A loner, an isolated person, was able to also bring humour in his part.
Alice Fearn was great as Evan’s mother, caught in a catch twenty two situation of doing her best as single mother to provide, yet being absent to Evan in doing so and had delivered a rousing moment with song So Big/So Small.
Helen Anker sought hope as Cynthia Murphy, clinging onto this notion that Evan and Connor were friends. That Connor may have had some happiness in life, and wanted Evan to share his experiences. Befriending Evan into the family as someone who could share this other side and fill the void left.
Tom Dickerson as family friend Jared Klineman helps to bring Evans lie to life whilst delivering humour which help break up the emotion, whilst Vivian Panka helps to take it on a journey far beyond where Evan imagined it going. Despite being popular she is also a sign that you cant believe everything you see on the outside, when internally having struggles. – Something I think many of us assume or experience ourselves.
The stage used an electronic screen to assist with the backdrop and I felt this was maximised to its full potential when it came to social trending in the production. The ensemble were placed in the show to show a sense of community, the original production didn’t have this and while it didn’t detract, I’m not entirely sure it needed it, such is the focus and emotion on these cast members.
This production delivered as I thought it would, it’s a powerful story. It’s hard not to get swept up in Evan’s character and are immersed to will him well whilst seeing his lie grow bigger and bigger, being not able to stop it. If I had one disappointment, it was that I didn’t feel the emotion like I did watching the film. Other than the end of the first half where a tear did leave my eye, I had expected to cry a lot more throughout. However, I also know this wasn’t the case for many others sat watching who were touched and cried throughout.
I would come back and see this again over and over. If you have tickets you are in for a treat. If you don’t, try and grab a return or spare seat, you won’t regret it. You will be found.
From Me
Dates: 19 – 23 Nov 2024
Tickets: Available from £13 at ATGTickets.com/Sunderland*
*A 3.95 transaction fee may apply to online bookings.