This week is going to be a good week and here’s why….Dear Evan Hansen blows us away with roaring applause at His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen from 5th-8th March 2025!
Let me introduce you to Evan Hansen: A shy high school kid who struggles with crippling anxiety and has just one wish- to fit in. The thing is that on his way to finally fitting in he leaves behind a string of lies that lead to events that spiral out with his control. As the truth pours out he must face a reckoning with himself and those around him.
Within this popular modern musical there is some hard hitting themes which include: mental health, isolation and suicide to name a few. Now this could possibly lead you to believe you are away to witness a very dark musical but the way this masterpiece is approached brings the perfect balance of light and dark to the storytelling. It is clear to see that so much thought and care has gone into creating this musical which is why it resonates profoundly with everyone around the world.
From the get go the energy was high! As the lights come up the much loved musical score “waving through a window” creates the perfect atmosphere for this heartfelt tale- you are drawn into Evan’s world immediately. The immense talent from the whole cast in this production helped drive this musical to receive the most deserving standing ovation.
Ryan Kopel portrays Evan to a tee! He made the role his own and I was blown away with his attention to detail. Everything from his closed posture, his nervous tics and the mumbling stammer brought the character to life perfectly. You can’t help but feel you want to give Evan a big hug and tell him everything will be okay! Kopel’s talent is exceptional and his crisp vocals throughout the musical scores were completely outstanding!
The fabulous Lauren Conroy plays Zoe with such ease. Her approach to the character is well developed but is still able to show elements of teenage angst and vulnerability throughout. Conroy’s beautifully heartfelt vocals on ‘Requiem” brought tears to many in the audience.
Alice Fearn (Heidi), Helen Anker (Cynthia) and Richard Hurst (Larry) portray the trials and tribulations every parent faces when raising kids- many in the audience can relate to these struggles which makes their portrayal so sincere and honest. Each performer shone brightly throughout providing powerful and emotional vocals to each score they performed.
Killian Thomas Lefevre came through strongly in his portrayal as the troubled Connor Murphy. Lefevre was able to show us the dark and light of his character very well. His comedic timing and phrasing throughout some of the musical numbers, brought great comic relief to some dark subject matters that are discussed.
Tom Dickerson was a ball of big energy in his hilarious take as Jared Kleinman. Everytime he walked on stage the mood immediately lifted. His physicality and comedic timing was spot on from the very start- you could not help but smile! Vivian Panka was superb in her portrayal as the ambitious and keen to be noticed Alana Beck. Panka’s stunning vocal performance was a delight to the audience’s ear! The ensemble helps this piece flow and connect so effectively. The strength and sense of togetherness is felt greatly throughout.
This triumphant musical hands down has some of the best musical scores that have been written in recent years – From ‘Words Fail’ to ‘You Will be Found’ they never fail to pull at the heart strings and bring you to tears in your seat.
Morgan Large’s set is simplistic but also provides visual depth. Sets move and shift across this stage which allow seamless transitions from scene to scene. Ravi Deepres video designs help immerse the audience into the online social media bubble of today’s world.
It is clear to see why this modern day musical is such a hit and resonates deeply with so many people. It highlights many of the struggles we all face daily. It reminds us to be kinder, it reminds us to be more understanding but most of all it reminds us that it’s okay not be okay. This musical will take you on the most emotional and heartfelt ride – but I can wholeheartedly say to you that this is one trip you will not want to miss!
Get your tickets here- https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/dear-evan-hansen/
Theatre Scotland 
Leave a comment