Explore this Show
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
- Music
- Benj Pasek , Justin Paul
- Lyrics
- Benj Pasek , Justin Paul
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2015
- Genres
- Drama, Dark Comedy
- Settings
- Contemporary
- Time & Place
- Current Day
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- Rock Combo
- Dancing
- Musical Staging
- Licensor
- Music Theatre International
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Includes Late Teen, Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Inspiration for Dear Evan Hansen came from a real-life episode that occurred at Benj Pasek’s high school. After a student’s death, various classmates created fictional connections between themselves and the deceased in order to insert themselves into the tragedy. Pasek, seeing this, was deeply affected, and in 2011 began brainstorming with writing partner Justin Paul as well as Steven Levenson. Over time, they developed the character of Evan: a painfully shy high schooler who longs for
to read the context for Dear Evan Hansen and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
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 |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano |
Songs
Act One
- "Anybody Have a Map" – Heidi, Cynthia, Evan, Larry, Connor, Zoe
- "Waving Through a Window" – Evan
- "For Forever" – Evan
- "Sincerely, Me" – Connor, Evan, Jared
- "Requiem" – Zoe, Cynthia, Larry
- "If I Could Tell Her" – Evan, Zoe
- "Disappear" – Connor, Evan, Alana, Jared, Larry, Cynthia, Zoe
- "You Will Be Found" – Company
Act Two
- "To Break in a Glove"– Larry, Evan
- "Only Us" – Zoe, Evan
- "Good for You" – Heidi, Alana, Jared, Evan, Connor
- "Words Fail" – Evan
- "So Big/So Small" – Heidi
- "Finale"– Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A song that uses short stanzas to tell a story about love.
References a singer who sings in a more chest voice dominant manner.
A contrasting section of music in a song that connects two more familiar sections, such as a verse and the chorus.
The last section of a piece of music, a scene, or an entire show, often dramatic and exciting.
A type of embellishment, group of notes sung on one syllable.
A descriptor for a person who has drastic or irrational mental, physical, or emotional reactions.
A ceremony or gathering in which people honor the dead; an act of remembrance for the dead.
An intense fear of being negatively judged in social situations.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
