For theatre students there are a whole range of reasons to watch a show or musical. Maybe they like a specific actor, actress, musician or singer that are in the cast. Maybe they like the particular era that the show is set in, or the type of music that it consists of. They could even want to watch it just because it’s a particular discipline such as a ballet, tap, Shakespearean or contemporary show but the musical I’m talking about today, DEH - Dear Evan Hansen has many more important reasons to watch it than any of those above.
Dear Evan Hansen first hit the stage in July 2015 at the Arena Stage in Washington DC. After that it went to off Broadway March - May of 2016 and finally made it to Broadway in late 2016.
In September 2021 It hit the cinema screens with the film adaptation of the show. However, released not long after the Covid-19 Pandemic it was a disappointment at the box office. The cost of the pandemic to theatres also closed down the Broadway show in 2022 and it is on tour in various countries across the globe.
The synopsis
Dear Evan Hansen is about a young man with social anxiety disorder who really wants to make a connection and make friends in the senior year of high school. After speaking with his therapist he is set the task of writing himself motivational letters each day, starting with Dear Evan Hansen. When a boy in his year, Connor Murphy commits suicide, Evan finds himself accidentally at the centre of the tragedy. He makes up a relationship with the deceased student in order to become closer to the boy’s family. In a misguided attempt to support and help them, Evan pretends that he and their son Connor were best friends, who spent their time together hanging out. After a suicide note to Evan emerges. Little do they know Evan wrote the note to himself and it’s not from Connor. Evan Hansen then creates false emails between him and Connor to prove their friendship was real. In an attempt to do something nice for the family Evan makes a video and talks about loneliness and isolation in order to raise money for a place to remember Connor.
As the video goes viral, and Evan becomes famous on social media he is drawn deeper and deeper into the lie. His relationship with his actual mother crumbles and burns in comparison to that of his “shiny new family.” He finally gets the girl he loves, and he’s no longer invisible to his peers.
Eventually, Evan is forced to make a decision: Will he continue lying to keep everything he has gained or will tell the truth and risk losing everything he’s ever wanted?
The musical written by Steven Levenson and with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, was nominated for 9 Tony Awards and won Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, Best Actor for Ben Platt, and Best Featured Actress for Rachel Bay Jones and is still popular all over the world today.
So…… Why should your middle and highschoolers watch it?
1- Evan Hansen
In the show we know that Evan has a social disorder making it difficult to talk with other students or join in group situations. Evan often watches things from the sidelines and lacks the confidence to speak when people are watching him. Now, we can all relate to being shy in front of our class, but many of my students after studying this show have come out with the same thing. It would appear although undiagnosed and not said anywhere in the show that Evan is somewhere on the Autism spectrum and this, for my students has allowed them to feel represented and seen. Although not spoken about, Evan is accepted which is an important transition for your students to see.
2- Teen suicide
Not all musicals are jazz hands and smiles. DEH does a great job of handling teen suicide (without actually showing it at all) and the aftermath, like how it effects the school and his family, especially his parents. It gives different viewpoints, including Connor’s. This gives the audience a deeper understanding of why someone might commit suicide and even what to look out for. DEH also gives a very positive message that although things feel bad if you can just reach out to one person, You will be found and things could end differently for you because you're not as alone as you think. Others are in the same boat and you can talk about it.
3- Impact of Social Media
Social media is a huge part of our students lives and they often don’t think about how they use it. Dear Evan Hansen uses social media for good, to raise money and to help people connect and not feel so alone. This message should encourage our students to also use social media responsibly and effectively. What can they do with it?
4- The truth always comes out
Dear Evan Hansen shows the audience how the good intentions of a ‘small white lie’ can quickly spiral out of our control and lead to bigger ones. The bigger the lie the more there is to lose. It teaches our students that honesty is the best policy and not to get caught out, and even if you do make something up, it’s never too late to own up.
5- A better understanding of our parents
Whilst many of our teenage students just want some independence and to do what they want, they think that their parents are controlling or nosey just because they ask us ‘Where are you going?’ or ‘What time are you coming home?’. DEH does a great job of showing its viewers the mindset of the parents and how often there are times when all the parents want to do is connect with you and love you. They are only asking these questions because they worry about you and they want what's best for you. Connors parents in the musical show a lot of regrets for what they didn’t do or say. It’s important for our students to see this. Our parents are people too and just want to be able to love us and build a good relationship.
Takeaway
Whilst Dear Evan Hansen isn’t the most eye-catching show, it has no special effects or big dance numbers and no elaborate costumes or sets. It does have beautiful music and lyrics, and really in depth characters with interesting relationships which allow us to connect with them. It’s a very important show for teens to watch. I really enjoy this show and I know your students will too.
Do you love this show? Tell me your favourite part or your favourite song!
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