Roslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney (Until December 1, 2024)
Dean Bryant's revolutionary Australian production of Dear Evan Hansen realigns expectations from its opening moments, marking a decisive departure from its Broadway origins. This Sydney Theatre Company and Michael Cassel Group collaboration transforms the beloved musical into a cutting-edge theatrical experience that speaks directly to our digitally saturated era.
At the heart of this production is Beau Woodbridge's masterful portrayal of Evan Hansen, a socially anxious teenager whose well-intentioned lie spirals into an uncontrollable web of deception. Woodbridge brings remarkable vulnerability to the role, his exceptional vocal control matching his nuanced acting as he navigates Evan's journey from isolation to unwitting viral sensation.
Bryant's innovative staging harnesses contemporary technology to amplify the show's themes of digital connectivity and isolation. Jeremy Allen's austere blue-hued set design works in seamless concert with Matt Scott's lighting to create a claustrophobic digital landscape that both traps and exposes its characters. The production's use of projections creates a meta-commentary on our screen-mediated existence, lending new relevance to Benj Pasek and Justin Paul's score.
The supporting cast delivers performances of exceptional depth. Verity Hunt Ballard's portrayal of Evan's mother builds to a devastating emotional crescendo in So Big/So Small, while Harry Targett's physically dynamic Connor haunts the stage. Natalie O'Donnell and Martin Crewes bring compelling complexity to the grieving Murphy parents, avoiding melodramatic pitfalls in favour of nuanced authenticity.
Particularly noteworthy is the production's ability to balance raw emotional impact with moments of genuine humor. Georgia Laga'aia brings a refreshing edge to Zoe Murphy, while Carmel Rodrigues and Jacob Rozario inject welcome levity without undermining the show's serious themes.
The technical elements coalesce most powerfully during You Will Be Found, where Andrew Poppleton's crystalline sound design and Zara Stanton's musical direction create a swirling vortex of sound and imagery that perfectly captures the viral nature of modern connection and disconnection.
This production succeeds in stripping away the sentimental gloss that has sometimes clung to Dear Evan Hansen, revealing instead a stark examination of loneliness, deception, and redemption in our hyperconnected world. Bryant's vision, coupled with this exemplary ensemble, delivers a production that feels both uniquely Australian and universally relevant.
For those who've seen previous international versions of Dear Evan Hansen, this bold reimagining offers fresh insights and contemporary resonance. For newcomers, it presents a powerful introduction to a musical that continues to evolve and challenge audiences' expectations of what musical theatre can achieve.
Tickets: https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on/productions/2024/dear-evan-hansen
Captioned Performances
Tue 12 Nov, 6.30pm
Sat 16 Nov, 1.30pm
Audio Described Performances
Sat 9 Nov, 1.30pm
Auslan-Interpreted Performances
Thu 21 Nov, 7.30pm
Performance times
Mon & Tue 6.30pm; Wed – Sat 7.30pm; Sun 6pm
Matinee performances Wed & Sun 1pm; Sat 1.30pm
(Images: Daniel Boud)
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