“Dear Evan Hansen”

★★★★★The newly named, Nederlander Theatre (formerly Oriental Theatre) was where the long- awaited Tony Award winner, “Dear Evan Hansen” opened to thunderous applause last night. What a production! Flawless! A cast of  8 actors brings this ensemble piece to life. With a book by Steven Levenson and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, “Dear Evan Hansen” is more of a story where music adds to the storytelling, than a musical. Evan ( played to perfection by Ben Levi Ross) is a sort of misfit in today’s society. He is shy, on meds for anxiety, has no friends and has grown up with no father and a mother, Heidi (Jessica Phillips) who is never around. His computer is his best friend, and so when he has things to say, he types himself a letter, thus the title “Dear Evan Hansen”.

Conner Murphy ( deftly handled by Marrick Smith) is the bad boy in Evan’s class. His parents fight over what he does, his drugs and his life-style. It is because of an incident between Conner and Evan that our story takes place. They hardly know each other except that Conner teases Evan from time to time. Conner is from a better neighborhood and his parents have lots of money. He also has a younger sister, Zoe ( an incredible performance by Maggie McKenna) and as it turns out, Evan has a crush on her.

Evan, in the school computer lab, writes himself a letter about Zoe and it gets printed. The letter is found by Conner, who just happened to be in the lab at that time and this letter changes the lives of all of the characters in this truly remarkable story that deals with life, death, love, relationships and just plain “fitting in”.  That letter leads to a lie and when Connor commits suicide, as it is found in his pocket. Evan’s relationship with him, the lie that was meant for his eyes only ,changes the lives of every person in the community.

Every person wants to “fit in” to their surroundings. In school or in a business community. Evan finds his way into the world that had closed the door on him because of a lie. The person who assisted him in making this happen, his “family-friend” ( not to be confused with a real friend), Jared (Jared Goldsmith is a stitch in this comedic role) . The other student involved is another “loser”, Alana (Phoebe Koyabe). Alana uses the letters and relationship to become a “fit-in” as well. Together, with Evan and Jared, they start a movement to help make people aware of the Apple Orchard that Conner supposedly loved ,so it could be re-opened. These three become popular and important to others for the first time in their lives.

What we witness during this 2 1/2 hours of theatrical splendor is a story that will make you think. As a parent or grandparent, one might think about what if Evan was yours, or what if your child lives in this type of secret world? While many think this play is about metal health and other “coming of age” topics, the true topic of this play is about “fitting in” and how becoming a part of the world we live in can change who we are and how we live. It is based on a real incident in the real world ,and how a suicide can change the course of the lives of the people around that party.

Connors parents Larry (Aaron Lazar) and Cynthia (Christiane Noll), who we learn were having problems, become closer because of Evan . They  feel that their son was not all they thought he was based on the lie of the letters and e-mail they have been given. Evan becomes a replacement for their son, and for once Evan feels as if he has the parents that he has somehow missed. With his newly found “family” the Murphy’s, he no longer needs his meds as he no longer suffers from anxiety. He has fallen deeply in love with Zoe and while it takes a bit longer, she has feelings for him as well.

It all comes out and while their paths change, I truly feel that the ending is one that makes sense. Life goes on for our characters and the memory of Connor lives on in an apple orchard where his parents go weekly to picnic and remember their beloved son .

This touring company is directed by Michael Greif on an amazing set by David Korns. What a fabulous way to initiate the newly named theater. “Dear Evan Hansen” will continue here thru March 10th with performances follows:

Tuesdays  7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays  2 pm and 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  2 and 8 p.m

Sundays  2 p.m. ( on 2/17 an evening performance is added)

Only 4 tickets per household starting at $85 are available at all of the Broadway In Chicago box offices, online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

The “Dear Evan Hansen” ticket lottery- $25 tickets- visit http://www.broadwayinchicago.com/show/dear-evan-hansen/

The Nederlander Theatre is located at 24 West Randolph Street

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Dear Evan Hansen”

NOTE: on Wednesday and Saturdays-matinees and Sunday 2/17 matinee, Evan will be played by Stephen Christopher Anthony

While there are some who feel that this show is not for teens and pre-teens, I think this could be a must for some. It may be a way to find out more about them from their reactions and feelings about what they are seeing. “Dear Evan Hansen” may be the eye-opener that a family needs and may just save some lives along the way.