Deeply moving and thought provoking, Dear Evan Hansen is on stage at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
DEEPLY moving and thought provoking, Dear Evan Hansen is a masterpiece of theatre, blending difficult subjects like teen isolation and suicide with a spectacular musical score.
On stage at Southampton Mayflower Theatre until Saturday, the powerful musical features a top-notch cast and a beautifully designed, ever-changing set.
The show focuses on the story of Evan Hansen, a socially awkward high school student, who is desperate to make friends, fit in and find a girlfriend who understands him.
Severely lacking in confidence, Evan’s life takes an unexpected turn when an affirmation letter he has written for his counsellor is misconstrued as the suicide note of a troubled teen called Connor Murphy.
But, what begins as an act of kindness to bring comfort to Connor’s grieving family soon spirals out of control as Evan finds himself recast as the best friend of the deceased student.
As the lies grow, Evan suddenly gains the popularity and acceptance he has always sought, becoming the president of a charity dedicated to his ‘best friend’s’ memory as well as securing the affections of Connor’s traumatised parents and sister.
Featuring a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul – the Oscar-winning composers for The Greatest Showman and La La Land – musical highlights include For Forever, Requiem, Waving Through A Window and You Will be Found.
In the title role, Ryan Kopel gives an emotionally charged performance, skilfully depicting Evan’s raw vulnerability as he struggles internally with the consequences of a lie that has transformed his life.
Alongside him, Lauren Conroy is superb as Zoe Murphy, Connor’s grieving sister and the girl he has admired from afar. Her rendition of Requiem is particularly moving, showcasing her impressive vocal range.
Will Forgrave, who played troubled teen Connor, was also superb, as was Tom Dickerson as Jared.
Meanwhile cast as Heidi Hansen, Evan’s hardworking and loving mum, Alice Fearn perfectly portrays the struggle many parents feel as battle so many plates spinning. As a single mother, her need to earn money to support her son is juxtaposed with the anxiety that comes from leaving him alone for long periods of time. Her unwavering love is beautifully depicted in her moving rendition of Only Us.
Providing strong support in the roles of Connor’s grieving parents Cynthia and Larry Murphy, Helen Anker and Richard Hurst showed the different ways that such intense grief can manifest itself. Vivian Panka was also exceptional as Alana Beck – another teen struggling to fit as she as navigated the complexities of adolescence.
Evocative lighting and stunning visuals were blended with superb scene design, as the story rapidly shifted between many locations. Poignant and moving, Dear Evan Hansen tackles many difficulty subjects with honesty and authenticity – and watching it with my own 13-year-old daughter definitely offered me the chance to reflect on what it is to be a teenager in today’s world.
Dear Evan Hansen is at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton until Saturday 25th January. Tickets are from £24.50. To book visit www.mayflower.org.uk or call 02380 711811.