Dear Evan Hansen is a powerful modern musical that highlights the consequences of dishonesty and how a single lie, even told with good intentions, can spiral out of control. It explores themes of mental health, belonging, and the impact of social media in today’s fast-paced world. The story follows Evan Hansen, a high school senior struggling with anxiety and isolation. When a letter he writes for a therapy exercise falls into the hands of a grieving family who just lost their son, Connor, Evan becomes entangled in a lie that offers hope to the family but at a great personal cost.

Michael Fabisch, who portrayed Evan at the performance I saw, was exceptional in his ability to balance Evan's anxiety and humor. His rapid-fire delivery, paired with deeply emotional expressions, was captivating to watch. His vocal performance stood out as both powerful and conversational, delivering emotional highs in songs like "Waving Through a Window" and "You Will Be Found." Both numbers are production highlights, with the choreography and striking lighting choices that fill the stage with energy and intensity. One memorable moment during these songs features the entire cast bathed in narrow beams of white light, creating an impactful visual spectacle.

The stage design, with its combination of digital screens and practical set pieces, creates a dynamic representation of both the inner and outer worlds of the characters. While I would have appreciated more physical set pieces to better convey the tangible environment, the clever use of digital displays, such as social media posts, emphasized the growing influence of the online world on the characters' lives. Costume design was contemporary and reflective of today’s society, perfectly complementing the modern themes of the show.

The cast’s performances were all heartfelt and believable. Bre Cade (Heidi Hansen) offered a touching portrayal of a single mother, balancing her love for Evan with her need to work and attend school. Her third-act confrontation with Evan was especially touching, where her vulnerability shines as she expresses her heartache upon realizing the extent of Evan’s lies. The line, "You are the one good that's ever happened to me, Evan. Sorry I can't give you anything more than that," was heartbreaking, and Fabisch’s delivery of Evan’s reply, "Well, it’s not my fault other people can," struck deep.

Hatty Ryan King gave a remarkable performance as Zoe Murphy, Evan’s crush and Connor’s sister. Zoe’s journey from guarded and cold toward Evan to slowly opening up to him is one of the more emotionally charged arcs in the musical. The chemistry between Evan and Zoe is bittersweet, knowing the foundation of their relationship is built on a lie. The audience can only anticipate the turmoil that will ensue once the truth is uncovered.

The ensemble cast, particularly Gabriel Vernon Nunag as Jared Kleinman, provided much-needed comedic relief. Jared’s blunt and sarcastic lines, such as stating he’s only friends with Evan because his mom pays his car insurance, had the audience laughing out loud.

While Dear Evan Hansen is one of my favorite musicals, with its catchy music, thought-provoking themes, and an impressive set design, the ending left me wanting more. I felt there should have been more public accountability for Evan’s actions, though the resolution reflects the grace life sometimes extends, even when we falter.

The musical also offers a powerful commentary on the influence of social media. Alana Beck (played by Makena Jackson) posts something online that shifts the story's momentum, and it’s an important reminder of how a single social media post can have far-reaching effects. I would have been more upset than Evan was at Alana when discovering she shared this post without permission.

The contrasting family dynamics between the Murphys and the Hansens are another thoughtful layer of the story. Whether one is from a home with an overworked single mother or a stay-at-home parent, the show showcases that every family has its own challenges.

Don't miss out on this incredible production by Theatre Under the Stars! Dear Evan Hansen is playing in Houston until September 22nd; this is your last week to catch the show in Texas before it leaves. With its heartfelt performances, captivating music, and visually stunning stage design, this is a musical that you won’t want to miss!

For more information and/or to buy tickets, click here!