***** (5 Stars)
“Redefines the power of musical theatre to explore one’s self!”
The Tony and Olivier award winning Dear Evan Hansen marks its 10th anniversary since its debut at the Arena Stage in Washington DC in July 2015 with its first UK Tour and it makes its final stop at the Playhouse Theatre for a week long run with a production that captures the heart of its audiences and simply redefines the power of musical theatre to explore one’s self and the world around them.
This critically acclaimed musical with book by Steven Levenson and music & lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul has enjoyed lengthy runs both off and on Broadway at the Second Stage and Music Box theatres plus a three year run in London West end at the Noel Coward Theatre brought a new generation of theatre goers to the world of musical theatre. Thanks to it’s fresh and relevant score and massively moving story that explores the life of Evan Hanson, a simply astonishing performance from Ryan Kopel, a high school senior with social anxiety, who following a harrowing tragedy at his school invents a relationship that links him to the victim and there family in a moving exploration of connections, social media and mental health in a 24/7 digital world were words can hurt and heal in equal measure and they can also so easily take on a life of their own.
This production has lost none of its raw power and emotional punch thanks to an outstanding cast who deliver faultless and flawless performances throughout. Kopel is revelation as Hansen bringing a brilliantly judged physicality to the role along with emotional depth and stunning vocal his is a pure west end worthy turn. The same is true of Alice Fearn in the role of Heidi Hansen her ability to explore the life journey of the single mother who doesn’t see her child fully until it’s almost too late is beguiling to watch. Stepping into the role of Connor Murphy is Will Forgrave who turns in a polished and truthful performance as the character that blurs the line between reality and truth. Connor’s family have the most emotionally honest journey in the show with Helen Anker “Cynthia Murphy”, Richard Hurst “Larry Murphy” and Lauren Conroy “Zoe Murphy” delivering utterly convincing performances of a family struggling to put the pieces back together and all three shine in both there solo moments and when the share the stage together they somehow make the vast expanses of the Playhouse auditorium feel like your own front room and you feel honored to be a fly on their wall such an incredible talent indeed.
Production wise this is nothing less than triumph with Morgan Large’s Set, Costume and Co Video design harnessing the best of the west end production and adds to the shows over all power. This is boosted by Matt Daw excellent lighting design that blends perfectly with the shows modern setting. Tom Marshall’s sound design does get there in the end but the start of the performance it felt like the sound needed turned up but this is merely an opening faux pa that’s easily fixed. The balance between cast and Musical Director Michael Bradley’s nine strong pit band is excellent and adds the cherry to and incredible musical theatre cake.
Director Adam Penford has put emotional honesty at the heart of this production and proves that the very best of modern musical theatre is not simply viewed and enjoyed but experienced and that’s what Dear Evan Hansen does so brilliantly well. Its Mantra that sometimes being just who and what we are is more than enough is a potent statement for modern times in which we live.
Theatre that touches the heart doesn’t come any better than this so do what you must to grab what little tickets remain as the tour ends at the Playhouse as who knows when Dear Evan Hansen will be waving through the window once more.
Dear Evan Hansen, Edinburgh Playhouse, Runs until Saturday 5th July2025. For more information and tickets go to: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/dear-evan-hansen/edinburgh-playhouse/
The UK Tour ends and the conclusion of the Playhouse run.
ScotsGay Arts 