Seeing “Dear Evan Hansen” Is A Very Good Day…
By Cate Rees-Hessel
Paramount Theater’s production of “Dear Evan Hansen” is both edgy and entertaining; this very modern staging is a beautiful reminder that no one should ever be forgotten. The acting is phenomenal, the music is fabulous, vocals are strong, and the costumes very appropriate. Tender moments are mixed in well with the teen angst that is front and center in this marvelous theatrical work. The second act begins with a poignantly moving scene involving the proper way to break in a baseball mitt, complete with a well executed game of catch. This play reminds us that it is okay to not be okay.
The show is extremely realistic and believable – I especially like the sets: a great combination of stark, true to life, and charming. The use of lighting is amazing, framing the stage in Illuminating strands, and cell phone all-white, all-bright screens are innovatively used in multiple scenes. Cell wallpaper backdrops and simulated security camera photos make up the background, depicting school hallways – mostly empty, a strong metaphor – and more. And I particularly love the pretty apple orchard set at the end of play.
I shed a few tears for the lonely young high school boy that doesn’t realize his worth, thinking he is just a nerd when he is a brilliant writer, as well as the suicidal teen, his sister, and their busy parents doing the best they can. But this musical also gave me hope with its intensity and raw honesty. Lies will catch up with us, especially when technology can spread them like wildfire, but forgiveness is a form of freedom. “Dear Evan Hansen” is hopeful and thought provoking, a real blessing.
No review of this fabulous production would be complete without a mention of Jessica Fisch’s brilliant directing – a mom herself, whose Playbill director’s notes share a heart-touching story about when her little girl was a toddler. In closing, I must also mention the ingenious casting of Trent Stork – his vision for placing actors in the right roles is always spot-on. Once again Paramount has a winner of a production that I highly recommend. “Today is going to be a good day and here’s why” – you are going to www.paramountaurora.com for tickets or more information.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing emotional or mental issues, drug or alcohol addiction, or simply need a caring ear, please call 988, text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org to speak with a counselor. I dedicate this review to our Kaelyn Kaszubski – the car accident sent you to heaven at 18, but we are reminded here to continue to keep your memory alive…
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