Critics Review Dear Evan Hansen Starring Ben Platt | Playbill

The Verdict Critics Review Dear Evan Hansen Starring Ben Platt The new musical by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Steven Levenson officially opened Off-Broadway May 1. Here’s what critics are saying.
The cast of Dear Evan Hansen Matthew Murphy

Second Stage Theatre presents the New York premiere of the musical from the Tony and Emmy-nominated songwriting team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dogfight, A Christmas Story), and book writer Steven Levenson (Masters of Sex). Following a one-week extension announcement, the Off-Broadway engagement will now play through May 29.

Ben Platt (Pitch Perfect, Spring Awakening) stars in the title role of a high school outsider who gets swept up in a deception that shakes two families to their cores.

Broadway producer Stacey Mindich and a host of commercial producers are attached to the show.

Reviews are now in. Check back for updates.

amNY

Entertainment Weekly

The Hollywood Reporter

The Huffington Post

NBC New York

Newsday

New York Daily News

The New York Times

Time Out New York

Vulture

Washington Post

The Wrap
*

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. It is directed by Michael Grief (Next to Normal, If/Then) and choreographed by Danny Mefford (Fun Home).

The cast also features Laura Dreyfuss, Mike Faist, Rachel Bay Jones, Will Roland, Jennifer Laura Thompson, John Dossett, Kristolyn Lloyd, Becca Ayers, Gerard Canonico, Asa Somers and Remy Zaken.

“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?”

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.

 
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