In which the main character lies about being friends with the dead guy to get closer to the sister
By: Hal Reed
MIDLAND, Mich. – Hot take: The movie was actually better. It got to portray more emotion the story needed compared to the play. Listen, theater kids might attack me for this, but it was my first time seeing the play.
Even so, the play was still enjoyable. Midland Center for the Arts showcased a talented cast and an even better music ensemble.
Michael Fabisch is the lead star as Evan Hansen. He portrayed the character well with his antic movements to betray the very anxious student. But in some parts it felt more quirky or energetic rather than portraying anxiety or depression.
At a certain point in the story, Fabisch’s character has a panic attack which I think was a bit overdone for a play. He might have had to exaggerate because it’s a stage performance, so it is harder to portray those emotions toward the audiences.
During intermission they had to switch out Evan Hansen actors. So his understudy, Michael Perez, performed for the rest of the show for some reason. Perez did very well with carrying on with the show.
His anxious antics were much better because the audience can tell he is nervous but wasn’t overexaggerating that message. However, since it was the second half of the show, Hansen’s character development was less anxious.
It’s hard to judge what both actors would have done differently. Either way, it was better to see two reasonably aged actors without cakes of makeup on (cough Ben Platt cough).
Bre Cade, who plays the character Heidi Hansen, was absolutely serving. She delivered her lines effortlessly and brought so much for the character. Playing as the mother presented really well to showcase the relationship dynamic with Hansen. Also performing the semi boring song “SoBig/So Small” into an emotional scene that it is supposed to be.
Gabriel Vernon Nunag stood out in his portrayal of Jared Kleinman. Jared is the side character with a bit of comedic relief to the story. Nunag made a lot of the classic punchlines and comedic bits actually funny with his strong sarcastic tone.
I wish I had gotten more from the people that play Connor Murphy’s parents. There were stronger scenes with them that couldn’t get across to the audience. Such as any scene trying to build connection to Hansen’s character. The father/son dynamic with the baseball mitt came across awkward rather than building a bond.
The symphony ensemble, conducted by Michael Hopewell, captivated the audience with a stunning performance. Musicals are performed by all the actors and are the entertainers. It sometimes gets overlooked by incredible people working behind the scenes.
Their performance of the popular song “Waving Through a Window” gave me chills. The whole cast coming together for this number had me on the edge of my seat with excitement. The problem with the song set so early in the show, it was the best part of the whole play.
This is one of the few plays that have a simple stage design. It’s all set with just a couch or a bed for most scenes. They frequently use a projector to showcase social media, which is constantly being used throughout the story.
Overall, the performance of Dear Evan Hansen was enjoyable, showcasing great talent and captivating portrayal of the story. The cast’s dedication and skills brought the emotional depth of the play to life.
