Dear Evan Hansen - Sydney Theatre Company & Michael Cassel Group (NSW)
Book by Steven Levenson, Music & Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
Reviewed by Bradley Roe
Roslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company
Until 1 Decemeber, 2024
A stirring adaptation which addresses themes of belonging, identity and the impact of social media in a way that feels both universal and profoundly personal.
It has been 7 years since Dear Evan Hansen opened in New York City and wowed audiences on Broadway, and finally this touching tale of contemporary youth issues has come down under. When Dear Evan Hansen was announced for Sydney Theatre Company’s 2024 season, there was a resounding ‘Finally!’ from theatre fans across Australia. When it was announced to be a brand-new take on this highly acclaimed, Tony, Grammy and Emmy winning musical, the sense of excitement built even more. Director, Dean Bryant, with his team of creatives and the fantastic Australian cast have created a truly stunning and emotional production.
Dear Evan Hansen tells the tale of an anxious, isolated teen who gets caught up in a lie that changes his life. The lying eventually spirals out of control until he’s completely drawn into a world of fantasy that ultimately alienates him from those closest to him. This wildly emotional tale touches on themes of belonging, identity and the impact of social media without slipping into sentimentality. The book, text and lyrics utilise beautiful words and contemporary music to delve into tough and sensitive mental health issues. This show is not a light-hearted evening of theatre, but one that will challenge you and give a new perspective.
Photography by Daniel Boud
The Australian cast of Dear Evan Hansen brings fresh life and perspective to the musical's complex, emotional characters. Standby Lawrence Hawkins stepped into the titular role the night I attended, infusing the role with an innocent energy that adds depth to Evan’s journey. Hawkins’s voice resonates beautifully throughout the Roslyn Packer Theatre, with powerful notes and heartfelt moments that visibly move the audience. Verity Hunt-Ballard as Heidi Hansen, plays the role of Evan’s weary yet devoted single mother. Giving a stunning performance, I was not alone in being brought to tears by her Act II number ‘So Big/So Small’. The mother-son dynamic between Hawkins and Hunt-Ballard provides a masterclass in family relationship on stage chemistry.
Portrayed by Martin Crewes (Larry), Georgia Laga’aia (Zoe), Natalie O’Donnell (Cynthia), and Harry Targett (Connor), the Murphy family members each deliver exceptional performances which navigate scenes of heartbreak and desperation with nuanced intensity. The family’s rendition of ‘Requiem’ was a standout, as was the harmonious pairing of Laga’aia and Hawkins in their duets.
Rounding out the cast are Jacob Rozario as Jared Kleinman and Carmel Rodrigues as Alana Beck. Rozario perfectly balances humour with poignant moments, while Rodrigues’s portrayal of Alana brings both comedic lightness and vulnerability, which beautifully captures the character’s heartbreak. The overall collective skill across the cast facilitates an unforgettable and emotionally charged production.
Jeremy Allen’s set design provides a true and stunning extension of the writers’ intentions which amplify the themes within the work by framing key moments and clearly bringing the online realm into focus. This is paired in nuanced precision with Matt Scott’s lighting and David Bergman’s videos which enhance and highlight Evan’s feelings of isolation and the high stakes nature of his deception. Shannon Burns’ thoughtfully minimal choreography allows the story to shine through and emotions to run wild. The direction, set and costume design, movement and lighting all work together seamlessly to bring Evan’s world both online and off to life.
The mother-son dynamic between Hawkins and Hunt-Ballard provides a masterclass in family relationship on stage chemistry.
Sydney Theatre Company’s Dear Evan Hansen is a powerful re-imagining of the original production that captures the heart and complexity of this modern classic. With stunning performances, striking production design and emotionally rich direction, this production explores mental health, connection, and social media’s impact in a way that feels both universal and profoundly personal. For those open to a soul-stirring theatrical experience, Dear Evan Hansen is an unmissable journey. This isn't light-hearted entertainment; it’s a deeply affecting story that leaves its audience challenged, changed and reflective long after the final curtain.
Director Dean Bryant
Set Designer Jeremy Allen
Costume Designer Isabel Hudson
Lighting Designer Matt Scott
Sound Designer Andrew Poppleton
Video Designer David Bergman
Movement Director Shannon Burns
Music Supervisor Laura Tipoki
Resident Director Liam McIlwain
Music Director Zara Stanton
Orchestrations & Additional Arrangements Alex Lacamoire
Vocal Arrangements & Additional Arrangements Justin Paul
With Martin CrewesVerity Hunt-BallardGeorgia Laga'aiaNatalie O'DonnellCarmel RodriguesJacob RozarioHarry TargettBeau Woodbridge
Standbys Lawrence Hawkins Jessica Kok Ariyan Sharma Tod Strike Teresa Tate Britten
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