Dear Evan Hansen Finally Hits Melbourne: Was It Worth the Wait?

For fans of musical theatre in Melbourne, Dear Evan Hansen has been a highly anticipated production for quite some time. The musical, which won six Tony Awards in 2016, stands out as one of the most significant recent Broadway successes yet to be staged in Australia. Now, this sophisticated and heartfelt co-production from Michael Cassel and the Sydney Theatre Company is here to delight those eager to see it live.

To truly grasp the excitement surrounding this show, experiencing it in person is essential. While the impressive soundtrack and a multitude of awards speak volumes, Dear Evan Hansen faced its share of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic devastated ticket sales and resulted in early closures in other locations. Additionally, the 2021 film adaptation did not receive a warm reception, leaving many fans dissatisfied.

However, the stage version of Dear Evan Hansen offers a different experience. Under the direction of Dean Bryant, this production unveils the adolescent drama with an emotional sensitivity that surpasses many teen films. The minimalist set design effectively emphasizes the narrative, drawing audiences into this coming-of-age story.

The story revolves around socially anxious teenager Evan Hansen, played by Beau Woodbridge. Evan accidentally finds himself entangled in an ethical and emotional dilemma following the suicide of a classmate named Connor. Even though Evan did not know Connor, a series of misunderstandings—such as a letter and a signed cast on his arm—lead Connor's grieving parents to believe that Evan was a close friend.

Instead of coming clean, Evan crafts elaborate fictional emails between himself and Connor. He awkwardly attempts to console the heartbroken family, all the while weaving a web of deception. A budding romance with Connor’s sister, Zoe, portrayed by Georgia Laga’aia, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. When a plan to remember Connor becomes widely known, Evan’s lies are at risk of being uncovered, leaving him to seek help from his overworked single mother, Heidi, played by Verity Hunt-Ballard.

To play Evan, Woodbridge must capture the essence of adolescence, successfully expressing both the character's vulnerability and strength. His vocal ability, particularly his fine upper register and falsetto, conveys the delicate balance of teenage sincerity and uncertainty. While some moments could benefit from more emotional intensity, his performance maintains a carefully constructed arc.

Zoe, as performed by Laga’aia, matches Woodbridge’s energy with her own powerful delivery, shining during both tender love songs and more intense scenes involving her family. The performance is buoyed by comic relief from Evan’s ‘family friend’ Jared, played by Jacob Rozario, and Alana, a lively character brought to life by Carmel Rodrigues.

Having found the film adaptation lacking, I was pleasantly surprised by how touching and musically brilliant the live performance of Dear Evan Hansen turned out to be. The emotional weight, combined with strong performances from the cast, truly engages the audience. This is a production not to be missed.

musical, theatre, Melbourne