Dear Evan Hansen

Room 29’s Edinburgh Premier of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ was an outstanding production. A contemporary musical requires contemporary direction and Neil Lavin and his creative team certainly achieved this with an innovative presentation of this most challenging piece of musical theatre.

The storyline of this wonderful musical addresses the dark themes of suicide, depression and mental health and is emotionally challenging for both the actors and the audience. Every character has a story to tell and every cast member gave an incredibly believable performance dealing with their own issues. Sebastian Schneeberger absolutely captured the character of the socaially anxious Evan displaying his raw emotions and vulnerability in a most convincing, controlled way. His nervous mannerisms and general agitation were played to exactly the right level. His desperation and dilemma of what he is caught up in and his realisation of the misunderstanding when a letter he has written to hiself has fallen into the wrong hands was quite tangible.With a wonderful singing voice too ‘Waving Through a Window’ and ‘Words Fail’ had the audience almost transfixed. A superb performance.

Brought up by his mum, Heidi, Eilidh Todd gave a most compelling insight into the reality of being a single mum and the natural turmoil and balancing act needed to make ends meet. Her genuine love and caring for her son and heartache realising that Evan has been deceiving her about his relationship with the Murphy family was so poignant. ’So BIg, So Small’  was emotive  with real warmth and genuine maternal anguish. Heidi’s duet with Cynthia Murphy ‘Anybody Have a Map?’ as both mothers recognise the needs of their children set the scene for this rollercoaster of families living in confusion and uncertainty. Lyndsey McGhee and Paul Kelly-Copland both beautifully played  the grieving parents Mr. and Mrs. Murphy struggling in their own way with the loss of their son and perplexed as to what went wrong and where they had failed their son Connor who took his own life. The trio ‘Requiem’ sung with sincerity and vocal excellence was an extremely emotive, touching number. Harrison Owens, their son with a drug problem, came across as a rough, hard man disguising his real troubles.His ghostly interactions with Evan and Jared when composing the letter in ‘Sincerely Me’ were fabulous.

The Murphy’s daughter Zoe was brilliantly played by Emma Clarkson. A typical stroppy teenager, her feelings of always having to be second best to her brother Connor who has had all the attention and her need to be recognised were very strongly portrayed. ’Only Us‘ and ‘If I Could Tell Her’ the two duets with Evan and Zoe were so thought provoking as both bare their souls about their upbringing, insecurities and resentment and gained the audience’s sympathy.

The many heartbreaking, touching moments in this production were relieved with some humour by Jared the so called family friend. Scott Binnie with his mischievous smile and antics certainly brought out lots of humour with excellent comic timing and helped break up the more intense moments, Bethany Dunion also brought fun and humour to the plot with a most bouncy, vibrant and animated Alana, a school friend.

Although there isn’t too much for the ensemble to sing, they made a most powerful impact especially in ‘You Will Be Found’ and ‘Waving Through a Window‘ where harmonies came through loud and clear.They were well used and neatly integrated with slick movement in to some of the action on stage. The moving of the furniture was done in a most unobtrusive and inconspicuous manner.

This vocally strong company was supported by an orchestra  who were well controlled and a real pleasure to listen to. An expert use of lights and video wall enhanced and brought to life this hugely emotional and powerful production. Room 29 should be immensely proud of this most moving production which was in my opinion of professional standard and well worthy of their many five star reviews. Congratulations to the creative team and this hugely talented cast. I’m sure it will have been difficult to come back down to earth after such an intense and moving theatre experience. Incredible!

 

 

 

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