Review: Dear Evan Hansen
Dear Evan Hansen is a musical drama about Evan, a socially anxious and lonely high school senior who desperately wants to feel accepted and find a sense of belonging.
As part of a writing exercise recommended by his therapist, Evan begins writing daily letters to himself, each starting with the familiar phrase, “Dear Evan Hansen…”
When an unexpected event takes place and one of these notes is discovered by someone other than his therapist, things begin to spiral in an unintended direction. What starts as a private struggle soon develops into a massive digital movement that tests the boundaries of truth, empathy and even grief.
Dear Evan Hansen started life as a stage musical in 2015 and, since then, has played to audiences around the world, as well as spawning a film adaptation. Now, Ipswich-based Limelight Performers bring the musical to Ipswich.
It’s quite a brave move for an amateur company to take on this production, given that it is highly emotional and moving, with subject matter covering mental health and death. However, in the hands of Limelight Performers, this was no problem. They handled the material with great care, resulting in a superb and entertaining production that was, at times, incredibly moving (don’t forget your tissues!). I must add that there are lighter moments too!
Every one of the actors was perfectly and convincingly cast. Evan Hansen, played by Sam Finan, is totally convincing in the lead role, and the emotion in his performance certainly had me welling-up. Zoe Murphy, played by Millie Dean, deserves a mention too, with some great vocals.
As always, the leads are wonderfully supported by an excellent cast of equally brilliant performers.
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s music and lyrics are done proud, while the company’s own band provides professional musical support throughout.
Once again, Limelight Performers have succeeded in producing something they can all be proud of. Definitely one to see!
• Dear Evan Hansen is at DanceEast’s Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich, from 11th to 14th November 2026.
• Review Mark Keable, Ipswich24 Magazine
• Photo: Big Fish Photography