11 Musicals Dear Evan Hansen Secrets Revealed

The musical Dear Evan Hansen has taken the world by storm since its premiere in 2016. With its poignant story, relatable characters, and catchy music, it's no wonder that this show has become a favorite among audiences and critics alike. However, there's more to Dear Evan Hansen than meets the eye. In this article, we'll delve into 11 secrets about the musical that you might not know.

A Brief History of Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen was created by Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul. The idea for the musical was born out of a conversation between Levenson and Pasek about the struggles of social media and the importance of human connection. The show premiered at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. in 2015 and later opened on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre in 2016. Since then, it has become a massive hit, winning six Tony Awards and being named the Best Musical of 2017.

The Inspiration Behind the Story

The story of Dear Evan Hansen is inspired by the creators’ own experiences with social media and the struggles of adolescence. The main character, Evan Hansen, is a high school student who struggles to connect with his peers and find his place in the world. His story is relatable to many people, and the show’s themes of identity, community, and human connection resonate deeply with audiences. The show’s creators have said that they drew inspiration from their own experiences with social media and the ways in which it can both unite and isolate people.

The character of Evan Hansen was also inspired by the creators' observations of how people present themselves on social media. According to Levenson, the idea for Evan's character came from the phenomenon of people creating fake online personas and the consequences that can come from it. This theme is explored throughout the show, as Evan's online presence becomes increasingly complicated and blurred with reality.

The Music of Dear Evan Hansen

The music of Dear Evan Hansen was written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who are also known for their work on the musicals La La Land and The Greatest Showman. The show’s score features a range of styles, from pop and rock to folk and electronic music. The songs are catchy and memorable, with lyrics that are both poignant and humorous. Some of the show’s most popular songs include “Waving Through a Window,” “For Forever,” and “You Will Be Found.”

The Songwriting Process

Pasek and Paul have said that the songwriting process for Dear Evan Hansen was highly collaborative. They worked closely with Levenson to develop the show’s story and characters, and the music was written to serve the narrative. According to Paul, the songwriting process was often improvisational, with the trio working together to come up with ideas and melodies. This collaborative approach helped to create a score that is both cohesive and innovative.

The Characters of Dear Evan Hansen

The characters in Dear Evan Hansen are complex and multidimensional, with each one bringing their own unique perspective and personality to the story. The main character, Evan Hansen, is a relatable and flawed protagonist who struggles to connect with his peers and find his place in the world. The other characters, including Evan’s mother, Heidi, and his classmate, Zoe, are also well-developed and nuanced, with their own strengths and weaknesses.

The Casting Process

The casting process for Dear Evan Hansen was highly competitive, with many talented actors auditioning for the lead roles. According to the show’s casting director, the team looked for actors who could bring a sense of vulnerability and authenticity to their characters. The cast of the original Broadway production included Ben Platt as Evan Hansen, Rachel Bay Jones as Heidi Hansen, and Laura Dreyfuss as Zoe Murphy.

The cast has undergone several changes since the show's premiere, with new actors joining the production and bringing their own unique interpretations to the characters. The show's creators have said that they are committed to diversity and inclusion, and the cast reflects this commitment.

The Themes of Dear Evan Hansen

The themes of Dear Evan Hansen are complex and multifaceted, exploring issues such as identity, community, and human connection. The show’s creators have said that they wanted to explore the ways in which social media can both unite and isolate people, and the consequences that can come from this. The show also touches on issues such as mental health, trauma, and grief, and offers a powerful and moving portrayal of the human experience.

The Impact of Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen has had a significant impact on audiences and critics alike, with many praising the show’s thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of complex issues. According to the show’s creators, the goal of the musical was to spark conversations and raise awareness about important social issues. The show has been credited with helping to reduce stigma around mental health and encouraging people to talk more openly about their struggles and emotions.

The show's impact extends beyond the theatre, with the Dear Evan Hansen team partnering with organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Crisis Text Line to provide resources and support to audiences. The show's creators have said that they are committed to using the musical as a tool for social change, and to helping to create a more compassionate and empathetic world.