The award-winning musical returns to the UK stage, taking the audience through the world of high school senior Evan Hansen, played by Ryan Kopel. The production had some giant shoes (or a large Conor-signed cast) to fill. Embodying Steven Levenson’s story and conquering the music and lyrics from legends BenJ Pasek and Justin Paul is no easy task. Fortunately, the UK cast understood the assignment, making every audience member feel they were found.
Dear Evan Hansen is the story of a 17-year-old boy who faces the biggest challenge of their life in social communication, leading to an accidental deception starting with student Connor Murphy, played by Killian Thomas Leevre, that spirals out of control. Ten years after the original production’s launch, it has sparked conversation about the power of social media and the emotional stress it can bring to teenage boys and girls worldwide. Fans of the musical will enjoy the UK tour version, as it brings a fresh view of the story, making them laugh and cry all over again.
The curtains go up, and a mastery of musical theatre takes place from atom. Ryan Kopel takes grace in grasping Evan’s highly anxious energy. Ryan is certainly not shy about showing his vulnerable side, as he brings the audience to a standstill during Words Fail, following thunderous applause, showcasing a falsetto that perfectly speaks Evan’s woes. His emotional maturity is a diamond in the rough, showing some heart-shattering moments when there is a juxtaposition in Evan’s bravado from a confident, popular kid to a broken teen.
Tom Dickerson, who plays Evan’s friend, Jared Kleinman, has a talent for comical timing as he effortlessly delivers the play’s one-liners and is very comfortable in his own skin. Some standout moments for this character include his abilities as a singer and a dancer during Sincerely, Me, where he has great collaborative chemistry between Evan and Connor.
Lauren Conroy plays Evan’s love interest and Connor’s sister, Zoe Murphy. The actress creates some pin-drop moments for the audience through her soulful singing style and skilfully takes them on a journey from a cynical teenager to a young lady. She has the audience sobbing during Requiem as she starts to open up to Connor, and a sense of conflict is sensed from the character for the first time.
It cannot be left without mentioning the mastery of Alice Fearn playing Evan’s mother, Heidi Hansen. Her raw, raspy voice fills the theatre space from the first song. Audience members are knocked back during her unhinged version of Good For You, where every corner of the stage is filled with the mother’s anger and feelings of deception. Sprinkled with warmth and compassion for Evan, this was a perfectly crafted performance from the actress.
Dear Evan Hansen is a must-see for first-time and dedicated fans. The audience members shed tears as the talented cast wows. It can be touch-and-go with touring productions, but it is a sheer delight, even if some tears fall.
The musical is on its UK tour until 5th July 2025
Reviewer: Ramsey Photos: Marc Brenner