Dear Evan Hansen holds a special place in my heart. The show had its debut during a time in my life where I felt alone and lost (2016 to be exact) . I first got a hold of the soundtrack and listened nonstop. So much so that I still know every word to each song. And finally, my dad took me to see the show. That day was so emotional for me. To see the songs that got me through such a hard time in my life be performed live with such passion. It brought tears to my eyes.

My Dad introduced me to the world of Broadway and for that I owe him forever. He opened up a door through which I found myself in various characters and songs that I will hold close for the rest of my life. He knows the ins and outs of the shows—he studied lighting design at SUNY Purchase and knows the big guys in the industry.

Anyways…back to the show!

The audience follows a young man, Evan Hansen (originally played by Ben Platt) with crippling social anxiety who’s true desire is to simply connect with others around him. A classmate of his commits suicide and in a misguided attempt to comfort the boy’s grieving family, Evan pretends that he was actually good friends with their son. He goes so far as to even make a fake email chain to “prove” their friendship, and when a fake suicide note makes its way online, Evan finds himself the unintended face of a viral video about loneliness and friendship.

As his social currency skyrockets, Evan is drawn deeper and deeper into the lie. His relationship with his actual mother wanes in comparison to that of his “shiny new family.” He finally lands the girl of his dreams, and most importantly–he’s no longer invisible.

Eventually, Evan is forced to make a decision: Will he give himself over to the fantasy he’s created, or will he bite the bullet and risk losing everything he’s ever wanted? With a fast-paced new score from fresh young songwriting duo Pasek and Paul, (not to mention a few Tony awards), Dear Evan Hansen has become an instant hit among theatergoers everywhere.

The show features many special moments and compared to the past three shows I have discussed it is less of a visua experience and more of an emotional and mental one. One of the most memorable moments I think is when Evan Hansen sings “Waving Through a Window”. A beautifully crafted song in which Evan expresses how lonely and invisible he feels in his life:

Some lyrics:

“On the outside, always looking in
Will I ever be more than I’ve always been?
‘Cause I’m tap, tap, tapping on the glass
I’m waving through a window
I try to speak, but nobody can hear
So I wait around for an answer to appear
While I’m watch, watch, watching people pass
I’m waving through a window, ”

Listen!

A couple years later, healed and a new me… Ben Platt walks into a Starbucks in NYC—the same one I’m in. So, naturally I RAN up to him.

Me fan-girling over Ben Platt in a Starbucks in NYC ( I couldn’t help myself):

Also fun fact the actor who played Evan’s dad (Larry) is my friends dad!

The show’s sort of mantra is “You Will be Found” and I surely was. I really recommend playing the soundtrack all the way through. Let me know how you like it because I think it is truly amazing. (I mean it did win like 6 Tony Awards).