Theatre / Musical Theatre
Winner of multiple Tony, Grammy and Olivier Awards, smash-hit musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ comes to Bristol Hippodrome
Originally premiering in 2015 in Washington DC, the success of the musical Dear Evan Hansen has been a cultural phenomenon around the world, spawning Broadway and West End transfers, a clutch of Tony, Grammy and Olivier Awards, numerous touring productions and a movie along the way.
Following a socially anxious high school senior on his road to self-acceptance, the boundary-pushing show based on Steven Levenson’s book features music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who went on to write the music for La La Land and The Greatest Showman.
As well as touching on themes of suicide, grief, loneliness, bullying and anxiety, the story explores the dangers of living in the digital age, where the possibility of reinvention can so quickly suppress truth.
is needed now More than ever
Nearly a decade later, and a new Nottingham Playhouse production is set to embark on its first UK tour, arriving at Bristol Hippodrome on February 11 for a much-anticipated five-day, eight-show run.
Ryan Kopel as Evan Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen – photo: Marc Brenner
27-year old actor Ryan Kopel, from Kirriemuir, Scotland, will be performing the lead – a part that he landed following a three month, five-audition process.
Such has been the impact of Dear Evan Hansen, especially among teen and young adult audiences, that playing the principal role is not something Kopel takes lightly.
“There’s just something about this show that allows people to connect deeply with the characters,” he reflects. “We take that responsibility incredibly seriously.”
Photo: Marc Brenner
That thoughtful approach is reflected by the producers’ decision to partner for the UK tour with The Mix, a leading digital charity aimed at offering support for under 25s – from relationship and mental health advice to information on drink and drugs, work and study, safety, money, housing and more.
Training has been given to the cast and creatives working on the production, such that they may be able to point people asking for help to the right lines of support.
Back on stage, and there are moments in the musical that Kopel points to as the emotional core of his performance, not least the deeply affecting song Words Fail: “I like it because it’s a bit of an emotional catharsis,” he explains.
Photo: Marc Brenner
“It doesn’t matter if your voice cracks because you are crying and already an emotional mess.”
Despite its undeniable darkness, the power of the story is in the light that arises from it. “Ultimately, Dear Evan Hansen is about hope,” concludes Kopel.
“No matter what happens, what you are going through, its message is that there is always someone to talk to and reasons why you should go on. That’s what I’d like people to take away from the show.”
Photo: Marc Brenner
Dear Evan Hansen is at Bristol Hippodrome on February 11-15 at 7.30pm with additional 2.30pm matinee shows on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available at www.atgtickets.com.
Main photo: Bristol Hippodrome
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