Dear Evan Hansen

book by Stephen Levenson
music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Pangdemonium
Victoria Theatre, Singapore

Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul's cult favourite Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen finally arrives in Singapore and it is a show to remember. It caps off Pangdemonium's strong 2024 season that has seen a revival of the critically acclaimed Falling and a blistering new production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf.  Even if I occasionally struggle to connect with this most stridently Gen Z of musicals, it's impossible not to be moved by its searing portrayal of mental health issues and warning against the perils of social media obsession. 

The titular Evan is a lonely, socially awkward high school senior who has been tasked by his therapist to write letters to himself to build his self-confidence. One such letter unwittingly falls into the hands of troubled school bully Connor Murphy (Xander Pang) who later takes his own life. When questioned about this, Evan fabricates a friendship with Connor, saying that they had secretly been best friends who wrote letters to each other. All of a sudden, Connor's sister Zoe (Gaby Rae), whom Evan has a crush on, takes an interest in him. Connor's grieving parents, Larry (Gian Magdangal) and Cynthia (Ethel Yap), are only too keen to welcome him into their home to learn more about their distant son. Evan becomes the face of a massive social media campaign in memory of Connor. For the first time in his life, he finally feels seen. But how far will his lie go? 

Stepping into a role like this is no easy feat and newcomer Angelo Martinez, in both his professional acting and musical theatre debut, makes a solid effort. He certainly looks the part with his gangly appearance and toothy grin, stumbling over his words almost as if the thoughts are forming more quickly in his mind that he can control. Yet, there is an a flatness to his delivery makes the character lack presence and this keeps his performance from truly shining, even through the show's signature tunes like Waving Through a Window and You Will Be Found. 

Photo Credit: Crispian Chan, Pangdemonium

Director Tracie Pang has assembled a stellar cast who fully embrace their roles, drawing out the comedy and tragedy in equal measure and allowing the emotions to land. There is great work by Rebekah Sangeetha Dorai as Evan's overworked but well-meaning single mom Heidi and Mia Smith as sassy influencer Alana who uses Connor's death to boost her online credentials. The real standouts however are the Pang siblings, sharing the stage for the first time in years: Zachary Pang as Evan's dorky friend Jared who helps him fake email exchanges with Connor and Xander Pang as the brooding Connor, who reappears as a more mellow version of himself in Evan's imagination. The Pangs and Martinez have an easy camaraderie that animates one of the musical's most entertaining numbers, the slickly choreographed Sincerely, Me.

The technical elements of the production are equally commendable. Long-time collaborator Eucien Chia gives us  a sleek, deceptively simple set that neatly places in the musicians in a raised alcove, conceals several acting spaces and acts as a canvas for the liberal use of multimedia throughout the show. Projection designer Genevieve Peck manages this superbly, seamlessly conjuring up FaceTime calls and Twitter posts amongst the characters and conveying an entire generation who have been brought up on screens. This is aided by slick, evocative lighting and sound work by designers James Tan and Jing Ng. In an arresting sequence, the stage lights up with the faces of thousands of suicide victims like Connor, their faces multiplied in tiny mirrored circles on the sides. It's a chilling reminder of the all-consuming nature of social media and how easily things can go viral.

Photo Credit: Crispian Chan, Pangdemonium

Does Evan deserve to get away for what he does? It's a question that continues to attract debate. Even if one may think of his actions as deplorable, is it any different from the scores of influencers all around us who latch onto headlines and make it entirely about themselves, ruthlessly turning it into an opportunity for more likes, shares and follows? What is heartening is that Evan learns to find himself in the process and emerges stronger even if his healing is far from over. The musical may not overtly mention conditions like depression or  anxiety but their shadow hangs over us and remain very real and relatable, particularly amongst today's youths who are so accustomed to presenting clean, curated versions of themselves online at all times. 

Dear Evan Hansen is a musical that Pangdemonium have been chasing for years and their efforts in securing the rights and mounting this impressive Southeast Asian premiere have certainly paid off. This is a tender, powerful show, a reminder to seek help when the shadows come creeping in and to remain steadfast against the pressures of life. 

The Crystalwords score: 4/5