I was recently invited to see the well-known and inspiring musical, ‘Dear Evan Hansen at Milton Keynes Theatre‘.

This production, directed by Adam Penford, follows the journey of Evan Hansen as he navigates the challenges of crippling social anxiety. Everything feels overwhelming and he tends to overanalyse everything. Adding to his stress is the fact that he’s a teenager dealing with all the usual hormones and awkwardness. When a tragic event occurs at school, Evan finds himself thrust into a situation where he finally feels noticed and appreciated. This newfound sense of importance leads him down a path of weaving a series of escalating lies.

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As a huge fan of Dear Evan Hansen, I have been hooked on everything related to the show, from reading the novel by Val Emmich to watching it on the West End and even attending . But what really drew me in was the music. Songs like ‘Waving Through a Window‘ and ‘You Will Be Found‘ were huge hits on social media, and for good reason. They have a powerful message that resonates with so many people – reminding us that we are not alone.

Ben Platt portrayed Evan in the original Broadway cast in 2016, setting the bar high for those who continue this role. Ryan Kopel shines in the role of Evan in this production and he captivates the audience with his extraordinary talent. Evan’s got a lot going on – troubled but easy to sympathize with, prickly when pushed into a corner. It’s a bit of a tough gig, having to charm the audience with awkward humour and vulnerability while also keeping us on his side, even as he deceives others. But Kopel pulls it off with flying colours, shining in both acting and singing. His voice is just as moving and powerful in the quieter moments as it is in the big numbers.

For me, the stand out performer was Alice Fearne who is best known for playing Elphaba in Wicked and Beverley Bass in Come From Away. She beautifully captures Heidi’s challenges as a lone parent navigating Evan’s mental health hurdles, displaying a blend of vulnerability and resilience in her portrayal. Her vocals, especially in “So Big/So Small,” are highly moving and had a profound effect on the audience. Fearn successfully brings to life a believable and relatable connection with Ryan Kopel (Evan), showcasing the complexities of the mother-son relationship.

The stage was constantly abuzz with activity, thanks to the addition of sliding glass panels that brought a dynamic element to the musical numbers, particularly during the performance of Waving Through a Window. The ensemble smoothly rolled lockers on and offstage to create the school scenes, while simple desks, kitchens, and bedroom sets helped to establish the various characters’ homes. Mirrors framed the stage and screens contributed to the overall aesthetic, with moments of social media chaos lighting up the entire stage.

The iconic soundtrack further elevated the show, with standout moments that truly moved me and many others – such as the powerful finale in Act One featuring You Will Be Found, which remains one of my all-time favourite musical numbers.

The show has captured the hearts of many, and it’s no wonder why. The music is simply incredible, the lyrics are unforgettable, and the message is powerful.

Dear Evan Hansen reminds us to look beyond the surface and really see those around us. We all have struggles, some of which may not be immediately apparent. This show sheds light on the importance of connecting with others, especially our young people who may be silently suffering.

It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, but it’s a beautiful journey that is worth every moment. Whether you’re pondering the meaning of connection in our digitally connected but emotionally disconnected world or just looking for a captivating story, Dear Evan Hansen is a must-see.