Acclaimed ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ makes Wilmington premiere at Rodney Square

WILMINGTON — A powerful and poignant musical will make its Wilmington debut this spring, as “Dear Evan Hansen”, the Tony and Grammy-winning Best Musical, comes to The Playhouse on Rodney Square from April 11-13.

The play, which was hailed by The Washington Post as “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history,” brings a groundbreaking look at the impact of social media and the complexities of modern life from both the perspective of young people and their parents.

Story of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’

The musical centers on Evan Hansen, a high school student who has always felt like an outsider. When a tragic event pushes him into a new social situation, he gets the opportunity to finally fit in.

What follows is a story of connection, self-discovery, and the highs and lows of adolescence.

The production features some of the most iconic songs in contemporary musical theater, including “You Will Be Found,” “Waving Through a Window,” and “For Forever.” The score is by the award-winning team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known for their work on “The Greatest Showman,” “La La Land,” and “Only Murders in the Building.”

The musical’s heartfelt book is written by Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson.

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The Wilmington production features a talented cast, led by Michael Fabisch in the role of Evan Hansen. Other key performers include Hatty Ryan King as Zoe Murphy, Bre Cade as Heidi Hansen, Caitlin Sams as Cynthia Murphy, Alex Pharo as Connor Murphy, Jeff Brooks as Larry Murphy, Gabriel Vernon Nunag as Jared Kleinman, and Makena Jackson as Alana Beck.

The production also includes understudies Michael Perez, Monica Blume, Julianna Braga, and Blake Ehrlichman.

“Dear Evan Hansen” boasts scenic design by David Korins, projection design by Peter Nigrini, and costume design by Emily Rebholz. Lighting is by Japhy Weideman, and sound design is by Nevin Steinberg.

The musical supervision and orchestrations are provided by Alex Lacamoire, with vocal arrangements by Justin Paul. Direction and choreography restaging are by Danny Sharron and Mark Myars, with Myars also taking on the role of choreographer.

The original Broadway production of “Dear Evan Hansen” opened at the Music Box Theatre in December 2016, where it garnered widespread acclaim and six Tony Awards. The Broadway run concluded in September 2022, while the North American Tour made its way to over 100 cities before wrapping up in July 2023.

This production of the musical is presented by Crossroads Live North America and is produced under a special licensing arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Ticket prices range from $63 and $153, and can be purchased here.