Dear Evan Hansen At Nottingham Playhouse Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Louise Edwards

Multi award winning musical Dear Evan Hansen is kick-starting its first national UK tour at Nottingham Playhouse, where it has been co-produced with ATG productions. It is based on a book by Steven Levenson and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

Set in the USA, Evan Hansen (played by Ryan Kopel) is a socially awkward teenager who lives with his mum, Heid (played by Alice Fearn). His mum works double shifts and is training to be a paralegal to keep the family afloat after Evan’s dad left when he was 7. Evan is on medication and seeing a doctor to build his confidence and esteem. We meet Evan, who has broken his arm from falling out of a tree over the Summer.

At the same school, we meet Connor Murphy (played by Killian Thomas Lefevre), a rebellious, misunderstood teen whose parents, Cynthia (played by Helen Anker) and Larry (played by Richard Hurst), are well off and comfortable but still struggling to get through to their son. Evan has a huge crush on their daughter, Zoe (played by Lauren Conroy), who he believes doesn’t notice he exists.

The play opens on a typical working day with both mother’s singing “Does anyone have a map?” as they try to navigate communication with their teen sons and wondering if they are doing things right.

At school, the main characters are thrown back together with the addition of Jaren Kleinman (played by Tom Dickerson) who is Evan’s confidante (although says he only talks to him so his parents will pay his car insurance) and upbeat Alana Beck (played by Vivian Panka).

Confusion and misinterpretation with a document found on the library printer leads to Evan and Connor clashing thus sending a spiralling episode of events that no one could foresee.

Directed by the Playhouse’s own creative director, Adam Penford, this production is incredible. I saw the West End production and had high expectations, which were met if not exceeded by the talented cast. They have powerful singing voices and perfect acting and timing skills. Such a relatively small cast, along with the ensemble, pulls off something very special.

The set is simple but effective as designer Morgan Large and video designer Ravi Deepres create something magical that seamlessly works. I loved how the East Midlands local news pops up on the news feeds and hope this stays throughout the tour.

The musical has had much worldwide acclaim and has run on Broadway and in the West End for many years. Touching on timeless themes such as family relationships, the impact of social media, lying and the truth, mental health, grief and loss as well as loneliness and the desire to belong.

Running for around 3 hours with a 20 minute interval don’t miss this powerful production whilst it is in town!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £9.50

Dear Evan Hansen is at Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 28 September 2024, for more information or to book tickets visit https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/dear-evan-hansen/ or call the box office on 0115 941 9419

Nottingham Playhouse Wellington Circus NG1 5AF