South African theatre will soon play home to the intriguing premier production of the Broadway hit musical, Dear Evan Hansen.
The Tony and Grammy-winning musical, explores the gripping journey of a socially anxious teenager who becomes unexpectedly entangled in a tragic event.
The Tony and Grammy-winning musical, explores the gripping journey of a socially anxious teenager who becomes unexpectedly entangled in a tragic event.
Created by the acclaimed duo Pasek and Paul, with a book by Steven Levenson, this true story adaptation challenges the boundaries between reality and fabrication in the digital age.
“Dear Evan Hansen” is a powerful ‘drama musical' that explores the human experience, focusing on themes of acceptance, mental health, and the longing for connection.
It captures the highs and lows of adolescence and adulthood, as characters navigate the complexities of living in a digital world, where social media highlights both our isolation and our deep need for human connection. The production also addresses sensitive topics, including suicide.
Thus tackling the taboo topic of mental health and self-acceptance among peers.
The original film which has gained various accolades on a number of streaming sites, stars Ben Platt who carefully brings the character of Evan to light, taking viewers on an emotional journey rocked by curveballs and nail-biting tension.
Get ready for a performance you’ll never forget, filled with heart, emotion, and unforgettable music.
The South African cast of the theatre production is a blend of award winning local stars including Fleur du Cap Theatre Award winner Stuart Brown who plays the role of Evan Hansen.
Brown, a 2021 graduate of the Luitingh-Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) in Cape Town, joins the ranks of Platt and Sam Tutty in filling Evan’s shoes.
Heidi Hansen is played by actress, singer and voice artist Lucy Tops. National School of The Arts alumnus Justin Swartz features as Jared Kleinman alongside Ntshikeng Matooane as Alana Beck.
Singer-songwriter Keely Crocker makes her professional debut as Zoe Murphy and Michael Stray stars as Connor Murphy. Renowned television, film, and musical theatre stars Sharon Spiegel-Wagner and Charlie Bouguenon complete the Dear Evan Hansen cast as Cynthia Murphy and Larry Murphy.
Brown comments: “This show is an incredibly special story that speaks to so many of us about the impact of social media, mental health and what it means to truly belong.”
Director Greg Karvellas added: “I am beyond excited to bring this incredible musical to the South African stage and to be working with such a phenomenal South African cast, featuring some of the country’s finest new and established stage talent. Dear Evan Hansen is a deeply moving story that will undoubtedly strike a chord with audiences, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
The production kicks off at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town February 12 to March 9 and then heads to the Montecasino’s Teatro in Johannesburg March 15 to April 13.
Tickets are currently on sale via www.showtime.co.za or hownowbrowncow.co.za and range from R200 to R500.
Weekend Argus