Review: ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ leaves nearly sold-out Eisenhower Auditorium ‘smiling with tears’

Turning to my friend after the thrill of final bows, I noticed the shock on our faces and the tears in our eyes. We were speechless.

This was after watching the Off-Broadway musical spectacular “Dear Evan Hansen” in the Eisenhower Auditorium on March 27.

The show made its one-night Penn State premiere to an almost sold-out audience. The March 27 production definitely deserves the hype, showcasing true excellence in all aspects of a touring Broadway show. The actors, musicians and crew were fantastic, and they worked in harmony to create an unforgettable and ground-breaking experience.

“Dear Evan Hansen” showcases the life of the eponymous teenager, who’s navigating social anxiety and the day-to-day life of high school. He, like many other teens, struggles with being seen and understood. His entire life changes, however, when he becomes entangled in a lie after a classmate’s suicide, which leads to a journey of self-discovery and connection.

The entire cast, composed of 10 people, spends most of the time onstage, always flowing through the action. What stood out to me the most wasn’t just the dynamic skill that is required to be onstage for so long, but the fact that the actors moved seamlessly between transitions—whether that be between scenes or songs.

Although the set was minimal, the well-planned lighting helped to distinguish the different places being represented on stage, as well as highlight individual characters and stories, making the show feel more vibrant and alive. This production also brought ASL interpreters to the (side) stage, who told the story with the same energy and emotions as those in the spotlight.

Leaving the event, I felt a new sense of understanding. The realistic and relatable nature of the characters and storyline and the diversity of people represented resonated with everyone in the audience. As I looked around the crowd, I saw people smiling with tears in their eyes—feeling seen—the same thing that Evan Hansen fights for the entirety of the show.

Christina Wanta is a communications intern at the Center for the Performing Arts.