Dear Evan Hansen

My thanks to the CODA Management and Cast for their invitation to see their latest production “Dear Evan Hansen” at the Newbridge Memo Theatre. This show was completely new to me and the personal research completed prior to the performance did little to prepare me for the impact that the performance would have on both me and the audience sharing this experience.

The setting of the orchestra at the rear of the minimalist  staging could have been distracting but with the use of excellent lighting techniques the visual effect was to have the musicians fading into the background. The excellent orchestration however did not fade and enhanced every individual performance. My congratulations to Musical Director, Jay Venables.

Once in a while you see a performance and a level of raw talent that leaves you in no doubt that you are witnessing something very special and the characterisation of Evan Hansen as created by Sam Doyle, did just that. With what appeared to be effortless control, Sam took the audience through every aspect of the emotional highs and lows of Evan’s character, eliciting some very dramatic and emotional responses from everyone watching .My greatest respects for an amazing performance. Bravo

When Connor Murphy a high school contemporary of Evan, played by Todd Slaughter appeared as a somewhat troubled anti-social and aggressive character, I did find it difficult to imagine him as suicidal and disappointed to lose him in the first act. As a returning spirit however Todd gave a very confident and professional performance making the stage his own with his very natural energy. 

Tanya Rampello as Evan’s Mother Heidi Hansen gave a very poignant performance, clearly showing the struggles of dealing with work and home life. Her very expressive facial and body movements enhanced her words. An emotional performance with good characterisation.

A lovely performance from Tim Blize as Larry Murphy and Samantha Creed as Cynthia Murphy [Connor’s parents]  Desperate to understand their son’s suicide and the hope that he had found a friend, made for a very heart-rending performance from this couple. The emotional energy was palpable, and the body language and facial control gave a realistic picture of the trauma of parental loss. Very well done.

A very good  interpretation of a young sister Zoe Murphy played by Bee Tidey. Totally disheartened and not a little angry with her brother’s attitude and parental excuses, the facial expression, body language and negative attitude were perfect. The strange but somehow comforting relationship that developed with Evan was beautifully portrayed and very believable.

Evan’s only friends Alana Beck played by Lily-May Davey and Jared Kleinman played by Alfie Ford, were a moment of light relief. The chatty, bossy and very organised Alana was characterised with energy and gusto by Lily-May giving a very believable high school personality with the quick turn around  when affronted. Jared was a joy to watch in the phone chat scenes with some great comic timing giving the audience the time to laugh at the natural high school mindset . Excellent characterisation from both. 

This show was a roller coaster ride of emotional situations and not an easy watch. The audience went through laughter and tears, not always knowing when to do either. I can say, that this was an amazing show to watch and will stay with me for a long time.

My congratulations to you all and thank you for this amazing experience.   BRAVO

 

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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