Paramount Theatre’s “Dear Evan Hansen,” with Cody Combs/Photo: Boris Martin
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It’s hard to believe that it’s been a decade since “Dear Evan Hansen” first graced the stage. The musical phenomenon, with book by Steven Levenson plus music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, shocked audiences with its unflinching look at teen suicide. It was also very grounded in the then still-emerging world of social media. Given all that we’ve endured since, from the ravages of the pandemic to the recent cruel injustices of ICE, it is an open question whether or not “Dear Evan Hansen”’s dark exploration of teen isolation and mythmaking still delivers with the same emotional gut punch as it did during the later stages of the Obama presidency. This production by Paramount Theatre answers with a resounding yes.
The plot of “Dear Evan Hansen” turns on a simple misunderstanding by parents suffering an unimaginable grief. Their son, Connor (Jake DiMaggio Lopez), a troubled high-school student best known as the kid who threw a printer at a teacher in grade school, has just committed suicide. In his possession is a letter addressed to Evan Hansen. His parents believe, or at least hope, that Connor, despite all evidence to the contrary, did not die friendless. They then seek out their son’s possible friend, not knowing that the letter was actually penned by Evan as an affirmation exercise designed to address his near crippling social anxiety. Connor had simply swiped it off the school computer lab’s printer. When it comes time to set the record straight, Evan instead tells the parents what they want (maybe need) to hear, and then later cements this fictional friendship via a fake email chain. Things spiral out of control, and before long Evan is spearheading the “Connor Project,” a sprawling and energetic campaign designed to keep Connor’s memory alive.
Paramount Theatre’s “Dear Evan Hansen,” with Cody Combs and Megan McGinnis/Photo: Boris Martin
Director Jessica Fisch brings to stage an emotionally charged production that is often brutal in its depiction of loneliness, illustrated by projections depicting everything from trolling texts to heartfelt video snippets. The alienation is further underscored by Andrew Boyce’s clever set design, which frequently winnows the stage down to just a tad more than a screenshot. Other moments, however, appear much more expansive and immediate, where anything—even actual intimacy— appears possible.
The ensemble is simply exceptional. Cody Combs, a newcomer to Chicago theater, is especially impressive as the vulnerable Evan Hansen. Combs delivers a very believable performance, making good use of his vocal range for hits such as “Waving Through A Window.” Also deserving special mention is Jake DiMaggio Lopez as Connor in what is essentially two roles: one as Connor actually was, then another showing what others wish Connor was. Their respective parents (Bri Sudia and Devin DeSantis for Connor; Megan McGinnis as Ms. Hansen) are unwavering in their depiction of caregivers who desperately want to understand their children but are tragically unable to do so.
“Dear Evan Hansen” ultimately encompasses several journeys. For Evan, it is a rousing climb toward social media supremacy followed by an inevitable fall. Along the way he comes to grip with an essential truth about his recent past. Connor’s family also grows as a unit that ultimately learn to grieve together. Make no mistake, this is a musical that very much earns a trigger warning, but also one that allows room for healing and hope. This is a musical that still very much matters.
“Dear Evan Hansen” runs through March 22 at Paramount Theatre, 23 East Galena Boulevard, Aurora. Tickets are $31-$106, available at paramountaurora.com or by calling (630)896-6666.
