Culture Street

By Sophia Whitfield

Dear Evan Hansen is the hit musical by talented duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. They are the creative team behind La La Land and The Greatest Showman.

On a recent trip to New York we discovered that a ticket to Dear Evan Hansen is the hottest ticket in town. The audience was full of returning customers, for the second and third time.

It is the story that is so poignant and appeals across the generations. High School student Evan Hansen is socially awkward and has few friends. After he fabricates his relationship with a former student he becomes almost a hero to his peers. He discovers a new, complete family rather than his own disfunctional family and enjoys the security of being wrapped up in a ‘normal’ home environment.

There is trauma in this tale of teenagers trying to find their place in school, and it’s one that young adults easily relate to. Family relationships are shown to be raw and difficult to navigate.

Despite the angst the music soars, and the Dear Evan Hansen leaves you with a feeling of hope.

Currently showing on Broadway, Dear Evan Hansen will open at the Noel Coward Theatre on London’s West End in November.