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Overview
Synopsis
Dear Evan Hansen tells the story of a young man with social anxiety disorder who so yearns to make a connection with his peers that he fabricates a relationship with a deceased student to become closer to the boy’s family. When a classmate commits suicide, shy Evan Hansen finds himself at the center of the tragedy and turmoil. In a misguided attempt to comfort the boy’s grieving family, Evan pretends that he was actually good friends with their son. He invents a fabricated email account to “prove” their friendship, and when a fake suicide note makes its way online, Evan finds himself the unintended face of a viral video about loneliness and friendship.
As his social currency skyrockets, Evan is drawn deeper and deeper into the lie. His relationship with his actual mother wanes in comparison to that of his “shiny new family.” He finally lands the girl of his dreams, and most importantly--he’s no longer invisible.
Eventually, Evan is forced to make a decision: Will he give himself over to the fantasy he’s created, or will he bite the bullet and risk losing everything he’s ever wanted? With a fast-paced new score from fresh young songwriting duo Pasek and Paul, (not to mention a few Tony awards), Dear Evan Hansen has become an instant hit among theatergoers everywhere.
Show Information
Context
Dear Evan Hansen emerged in the mid-2010s as one of the most influential original musicals of its generation. With music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and a book by Steven Levenson, the piece was first workshopped in 2015 before opening at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. Its Broadway debut followed in December 2016 at the Music Box Theatre, where it quickly became both a critical and commercial success. The musical earned six Tony Awards in 2017, including Best Musical, and helped
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Act One
Evan Hansen is a young man who suffers from severe social anxiety. On the first day of senior year, he writes himself a letter as per his therapist’s recommendation. His mother, Heidi, is a single mom working two jobs. She tries to connect with her son, but they have a hard time reaching one another. Meanwhile, the Murphys (a wealthy family across town) struggle with their own problems: son Connor shows up to the breakfast table high. Cynthia, the matriarch, wonders if she’s doing
to read the plot for Dear Evan Hansen and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano |
Songs
Act I
Act II
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
A powerful, resonant singing technique used in musical theatre to project high notes with chest voice.
A transitional section in music or story structure that connects two themes or scenes, adding emotional or narrative flow.
Catharsis is the emotional release experienced by the audience at the conclusion of a tragedy or intense dramatic work. It allows viewers to purge feelings of fear, pity, or tension through the resolution of the play’s conflict. The concept dates back to Aristotle, who believed catharsis was central to the purpose of theatre.
A character arc is the journey of personal growth, change, or transformation that a character undergoes throughout a play or musical. It often involves overcoming internal or external obstacles, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself or others. Strong arcs help audiences connect emotionally with characters and give structure to the overall narrative.
The concluding musical or dramatic number that provides resolution and emotional closure for the audience.
A vocal technique where one syllable is sung across several notes, common in gospel, R&B, and musical theatre.
A trait or condition affecting character behavior, often portrayed to reflect internal conflict or societal pressures.
A musical or dramatic work honoring the dead, often evoking mourning or closure in operatic and theatrical contexts.
A psychological condition depicted in modern plays to explore vulnerability, alienation, and mental health.
A speech delivered by a character alone on stage, revealing inner thoughts or emotions to the audience. Common in Shakespearean plays.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Themes
Loneliness and Isolation
At its core,
to read about the themes, symbols and motifs from Dear Evan Hansen and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Quote Analysis
“Waving through a window…” (Character: Evan Hansen)
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