Musical Dear Evan Hansen speaks to anyone who’s ever felt they were ‘outside, always looking in’
This brand-new, reimagined production of Dear Evan Hansen combines talent and innovative technology, with its multi-media set design and a live, eight-piece band supporting the all- South African cast at each performance.
The musical is celebrated for its emotional depth, cultivated in beloved, memorable songs like “Waving Through a Window” and “You Will Be Found”. A deeply personal and profoundly contemporary take on life and the way we live it, the show resonates with audiences of all ages, especially teens and young adults.
Dear Evan Hansen is a powerful ‘drama musical’, with a score created by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman) a book by Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson (Fosse/Verdon). The show is winner of six Tony Awards (including Best Musical), the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, and an Olivier Award for Best Musical.
Evan Hansen is a relatable, socially awkward high school student navigating anxiety and the universal desire to connect. What begins as a misunderstanding becomes an incredible journey of self-discovery, connection, and the power of community. As Evan’s story unfolds, he learns valuable lessons about authenticity, courage, and the beauty of being true to oneself. Dear Evan Hansen has touched audiences worldwide with its unforgettable music and its hopeful message: even in the most challenging moments, we are never truly alone.
The all-South African creative team, cast, crew and live 8-piece band combines the finest local talent both on and off stage. Fleur du Cap Theatre Award winner Stuart Brown (We Will Rock You, MAMMA MIA!) joins the likes of Ben Platt and Sam Tutty in playing Evan Hansen. In other lead roles, established musical theatre stars include Lucy Tops (The Rocky Horror Show, Kinky Boots) as Heidi Hansen; Sharon Spiegel Wagner (Hairspray, Grease) as Cynthia Murphy; and Charlie Bouguenon (Jersey Boys, Sweeney Todd) as Larry Murphy. Justin Swartz (West Side Story, Janice Honeyman’s Jack And The Beanstalk, The Afterlife Of The Party) features as Jared Kleinman alongside Ntshikeng Matooane (MAMMA MIA!) as Alana Beck. Singer-songwriter Keely Crocker makes her professional debut as Zoe Murphy and Michael Stray (Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Dead At The Box Office, Abraham Lincoln) stars as Connor Murphy.
Julie-Anne McDowell and Daniel Galloway of How Now Brown Cow Productions agree: “The show combines talent and technology in this uniquely local production. Expect the unexpected! We believe Johannesburg audiences will connect with the characters and identifying with this moving, powerful story.”
The musical’s creative team includes Greg Karvellas (Director); Charl-Johan Lingenfelder (Musical Supervisor); Niall Griffin (Set, Lighting & Costume Designer); Kurt Haupt (Musical Director); David Classen (Sound Designer); Louisa Talbot (Choreographer) and Alistair Kilbee (Technical Director).
Book at www.showtime.co.za, www.hownowbrowncow.co.za, www.ticketmaster.co.za. Owing to strong adult themes and language, this production is not recommended for children under 12 years (no children under 4 permitted). Parental guidance is advised. March 15 to April 13 at Montecasino’s Teatro. Details: www.montecasino.co.za
If you fancy winning tickets to see the show, pop over to our Facebook or Instagram page, find the competition post and follow the prompts. Good Luck!
And if you loved the show, you’ll love the book … one you’ll read again and again. Raw, moving, inspiring. Published by Penguin, R255 from Exclusive Books @penguinbookssouthafrica
