“Dear Evan Hansen” is currently making its much-anticipated stop at the Bristol Hippodrome, bringing with it a powerful story of teenage anxiety, social media, and loneliness. The musical, which has gained critical acclaim and numerous awards, features Ryan Kopel as the anxious and socially awkward Evan Hansen.
Kopel delivers a fragile portrayal of Evan, capturing the character’s awkwardness and emotional turmoil. His performance is both agonising and relatable, drawing the audience into Evan’s world.
The score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul is exceptional. Songs like “Waving Through a Window” and “You Will Be Found” are beautifully composed as well as moving.
And the musical is not without humour, particularly at the beginning. The song “Sincerely Me” is cleverly written and brilliantly performed, showcasing the comedic talents of Evan, Connor (played by Killian Thomas Lefevre) and Jaryd (Tom Dickerson).
The show has a small but talented cast who each, in their turn, allow us to glimpse life from their point of view, in a variety of beautifully delivered songs. The penultimate scene, featuring Evan and his mother, is heart wrenching, but above all the story offers us hope in today’s world which is often so difficult for young people to navigate.
“Dear Evan Hansen” is currently at the Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday 15th February.