"DEAR EVAN HANSON" REVIEW: YOU ARE NOT ALONE

(photo courtesy Broadway.com)

by Kate Diggin

I personally love musicals, "Dear Evan Hanson" being one of my favorites. I recently saw it at the Opera House in Boston. Although the plot of the play is kind of dark, I think the overall message of the play makes up for it.

In "Dear Evan Hanson," Evan Hanson is a senior in high school with major anxiety and depression. One of his classmates, Connor Murphy, takes his own life and when Connor's brothers find a letter he had taken from Evan, they mistakenly come to the conclusion that Evan was Connor's best friend. Evan tries to explain the truth--that they weren't friends--but they just don't believe him.

The play isn't exactly kid-friendly; it doesn't have much profanity or any violence, but it does focus on teen suicide, which might be disturbing or upsetting to younger kids. The message of the play is ultimately positive, though. The song "You Will Be Found" introduces the idea that you aren't alone and that someone will always come to help you.

I love the music in the play, especially the song "Sincerely, Me." Packed with jokes and catchy tunes, the song may joke about drug use, but it's all in good taste. I highly recommend listening to the soundtrack.

The musical was very well performed and give out a positive message about sticking with one another, and that you will be found. The sets were great and the actors were awesome. "Dear Evan Hanson" is very moving and inspirational. Stop reading this, go listen to the soundtrack or book your tickets, I promise you will enjoy it!