WARNING: SUICIDE
This article contains mention of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, contact the Mental Health Crisis Line: 613-722-6914 (within Ottawa) and 1-866-996-0991 (outside Ottawa), the Ottawa Distress Centre Crisis Line: 613-238-3311, or the Youth Services Bureau 24/7 Crisis Line: 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775 (toll)
In Broadway Across Canada (BAC)’s production of Dear Evan Hansen, themes of teenage angst and inner battles ran high to create a dynamic and deeply felt performance.
Based on the book by Steven Levenson, the musical follows Evan Hansen, a teen with social anxiety entering his senior year of high school. When his self-addressed letter—a therapy assignment—falls into the hands of Connor Murphy, who takes his own life later that day, Evan’s letter is misconstrued as Connor’s suicide note. In an attempt to comfort the grieving Murphy family, Hansen pretends he was good friends with their son. As he longs for acceptance and belonging, Hansen pulls himself further and further into the lie.
The music and lyrics, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, beautifully accompanied the show’s dialogue to heighten emotions and reinforce the characters’ relationships. From upbeat numbers to tear-jerking ballads, the diverse repertoire of music brought audiences on an emotional roller-coaster with many unexpected twists and turns.
Unlike many media representations that depict high school as a romanticized social microcosm, Dear Evan Hansen is an honest portrayal of life and all its flaws. The cast and production team brought a new understanding to the musical’s themes of flawed family dynamics, the struggles of mental health and the power of social media in the digital era.
While he often lacked vocal power during the musical’s most demanding ballads, Norman showed immense vocal versatility while harmonizing with other cast members. Most notably, during “If I Could Tell Her,” Norman worked with Alaina Anderson, who played Connor’s sister, Zoe, to create beautiful vocal melodies, enhancing the song’s emotional experience.
The supporting cast accompanying Norman was exceptional. As the entire company came together to sing the latter half of “You Will Be Found,” their harmonies and vocal power made this small cast of eight seem much larger.
Anderson was remarkable in the role of Zoe, delivering a performance filled with emotion and grief. It was remarkable that this was Anderson’s professional debut, as the confidence and passion she brought to the stage was that of a seasoned performer. The heartbreak in her vocals was particularly meaningful during “Requiem,” as her character processed the death of her brother.
Laucerica and Coursey collaborated with Norman during “Sincerely Me” to deliver a laugh-out-loud performance. The three actors played off each other physically and vocally throughout the number with back-and-forth comedic timing and boisterous choreography.
Behind the actors, the projections on the set’s semi-opaque windows included Facebook posts, text conversations and Twitter feeds corresponding with the events occurring onstage. As Hansen’s manufactured tale took to social media, the projections powerfully depicted the omnipresence of social media in the digital world.
In a two-hour timespan, the cast and crew of BAC’s Dear Evan Hansen took the audience on an emotional journey involving laughter, tears and goosebumps.
Whether you’re the parent of a teenager you can’t seem to reach, or someone facing inner battles and struggling to find a place in the world, this show was one people from all walks of life could easily relate to.
Dear Evan Hansen continues its run at the National Arts Centre (NAC) until Aug. 14. Tickets and showtimes are available on the NAC’s website.
Featured image provided by Broadway Across Canada.
