The New York premiere of Dear Evan Hansen officially opens May 1 at Second Stage Theatre following previews that began March 26.
The original musical features a score by the Tony and Emmy-nominated songwriting team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dogfight, A Christmas Story), a book by Steven Levenson (Masters of Sex), choreography by Danny Mefford (Fun Home) and direction by three-time Tony nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal, If/Then).
Sparked by a real-life death at Pasek's high school more than a decade ago, Dear Evan Hansen follows one student's struggle for identity amidst the ensuing chaos. The production had its world premiere last summer at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C, starring Pitch Perfect's Ben Platt, who reprises his role in the Off-Broadway debut.
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Also reprising their performances from the Arena Stage debut are Laura Dreyfuss, Mike Faist, Rachel Bay Jones, Will Roland and Jennifer Laura Thompson. New cast members John Dossett and Kristolyn Lloyd complete the Off-Broadway company, and Becca Ayers, Gerard Canonico, Asa Somers and Remy Zaken are understudies.
“All his life Evan Hansen has felt invisible. To his peers, to the girl he loves, sometimes even to his own mother,“ describe production notes. “But that was before he wrote the letter — that led to the incident — that started the lie — that ignited a movement – that inspired a community — and changed Evan's status from the ultimate outsider into the somebody everyone wants to know. But how long can Evan keep his secret? And at what price?”
Second Stage is presenting the new work in association with Stacey Mindich Productions. Scenic design is by David Korins with costume design by Emily Rebholz, lighting design by Japhy Weideman, sound design by Nevin Steinberg and projection design by Peter Nigrini. The musical director is Ben Cohn, and the music supervisor is Alex Lacamoire.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting 2ST.com, calling the box office at (212) 246-4422 or visiting the Tony Kiser Theatre, located at 305 West 43rd St.
