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"Dear Evan Hansen" is playing at Bass Concert Hall this weekend. Evan Hansen, played by Stephen Christopher Anthony, is a socially-anxious teenager dealing with depression and disconnection in a world full of hyperconnectivity. Photo by Matthew Murray

'Dear Evan Hansen' comes to Bass Concert Hall

Thursday, December 12, 2019

The play opens on a dark stage with a bed, a laptop and a lamp. Behind this set scrolls an endless newsfeed cascade — Facebook, Twitter and Instagram — paired with the incessant sounds of notification alerts. Cute-yet-discordant, the noises are continual until Evan Hansen takes the stage. 

Hansen, played by Stephen Christopher Anthony, is a socially-anxious teenager dealing with depression and disconnection. As a coping exercise, his therapist instructs him to write a letter to himself: "Dear Evan Hansen, Today is going to be a great day, and here’s why…"

Evan’s letter gets stolen by fellow troubled student, Connor Murphy, who then commits suicide. When Connor’s parents find Evan’s note in Connor’s pocket, they believe it’s Connor’s suicide note. Though Evan barely knew Connor in life, he’s unable to explain the truth to Connor’s parents, leading him to invent the story of a friendship with Connor. 

As the play runs its course, this fictional friendship spins out of control. We witness Evan’s struggles to connect with himself and with the world beyond his computer screen. The perpetually-updating newsfeed projections underscore how isolated people can become even in a world of hyperconnectivity.

"Dear Evan Hansen" explores concepts of abandonment, loneliness and friendship with a sincerity and frankness that will stay with you for years to come. Anthony, who plays Evan, draws us in with his relatable ramblings, and then holds us captive with the raw-edged emotion of his singing voice. 

This is a show about finding yourself when you feel like no one’s listening. It’s about hope, grieving, loss and forgiveness. Perfect for the holiday season, "Dear Evan Hansen" reminds us that although life can become stressed and hectic, we can take time for ourselves to reconnect.

"Dear Evan Hansen" plays at Bass Concert Hall in Austin this weekend, Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets start at $30 and are available at Broadway in Austin's website, Texas Performing Arts's website, the Bass Concert Hall ticket office, all Texas Box Office Outlets, and by phone at 512-477-6060. 

San Marcos Record

(512) 392-2458
P.O. Box 1109, San Marcos, TX 78666