Dear Evan Hansen (Musical) Plot & Characters - StageAgent

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Dear Evan Hansen

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Overview

Synopsis

Dear Evan Hansen tells the story of a young man with social anxiety disorder who so yearns to make a connection with his peers that he fabricates a relationship with a deceased student to become closer to the boy’s family. When a classmate commits suicide, shy Evan Hansen finds himself at the center of the tragedy and turmoil. In a misguided attempt to comfort the boy’s grieving family, Evan pretends that he was actually good friends with their son. He invents a fabricated email account to “prove” their friendship, and when a fake suicide note makes its way online, Evan finds himself the unintended face of a viral video about loneliness and friendship.

As his social currency skyrockets, Evan is drawn deeper and deeper into the lie. His relationship with his actual mother wanes in comparison to that of his “shiny new family.” He finally lands the girl of his dreams, and most importantly--he’s no longer invisible.

Eventually, Evan is forced to make a decision: Will he give himself over to the fantasy he’s created, or will he bite the bullet and risk losing everything he’s ever wanted? With a fast-paced new score from fresh young songwriting duo Pasek and Paul, (not to mention a few Tony awards), Dear Evan Hansen has become an instant hit among theatergoers everywhere.

Show Information

Music Benj Pasek , Justin Paul Lyrics Benj Pasek , Justin Paul Category Musical Age Guidance Thirteen Plus (PG-13) Number of Acts 2 First Produced 2015 Genres Drama, Dark Comedy Settings Contemporary Time & Place Contemporary suburban America, primarily in and around a high school and the homes of its characters. Cast Size medium Orchestra Size Rock Combo Dancing Musical Staging Licensor Music Theatre International Ideal For College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Includes Late Teen, Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context

Dear Evan Hansen emerged in the mid-2010s as one of the most influential original musicals of its generation. With music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and a book by Steven Levenson, the piece was first workshopped in 2015 before opening at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. Its Broadway debut followed in December 2016 at the Music Box Theatre, where it quickly became both a critical and commercial success. The musical earned six Tony Awards in 2017, including Best Musical, and helped

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Plot

Act One

Evan Hansen is a young man who suffers from severe social anxiety. On the first day of senior year, he writes himself a letter as per his therapist’s recommendation. His mother, Heidi, is a single mom working two jobs. She tries to connect with her son, but they have a hard time reaching one another. Meanwhile, the Murphys (a wealthy family across town) struggle with their own problems: son Connor shows up to the breakfast table high. Cynthia, the matriarch, wonders if she’s doing

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Characters

Lead

Evan Hansen Male Tenor View Breakdown

Supporting

Heidi Hansen Female Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano View Breakdown Zoe Murphy Female Soprano View Breakdown Connor Murphy Male Tenor, Baritone View Breakdown Cynthia Murphy Female Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano View Breakdown Larry Murphy Male Tenor View Breakdown Jared Kleinman Male Tenor View Breakdown

Featured

Alana Beck Female Soprano View Breakdown

Character Portrayals

See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Dear Evan Hansen.

• 

  Alexandra Lamoureux

  Evan (2022)
• 

  Jack Cansler

  Connor (2018)
• 

  Sofia Lozano

  Zoe Murphy (2019)
• 

  Hope

  Allanah (Ensemble) (2019)
• 

  Owen Edwards

  Jared (2021)
• 

  Yannick Schwarz

• 

  Zoya Naki

  Alana Beck (2022)

Want to be featured on this page? Update your credits.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Songs

Showing 8 of 14 songs

View all 14 songs View all songs in Dear Evan Hansen

A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

Themes

Loneliness and Isolation

At its core, Dear Evan Hansen explores the profound sense of isolation experienced by teenagers and adults alike. Evan’s social anxiety and his inability to connect authentically reflect the struggles of many who feel invisible in a hyperconnected world. The show highlights how loneliness can drive individuals to desperate choices.

Truth, Lies, and Consequences

The narrative is propelled by Evan’s fabricated story about his friendship with Connor.

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Quote Analysis

“Waving through a window…” (Character: Evan Hansen) (Act I, Opening Scene (“Waving Through a Window”))

This recurring line captures Evan’s profound sense of invisibility and isolation. He metaphorically watches life from the outside, longing to participate but feeling trapped behind an emotional barrier. The lyric becomes a motif for the central theme of loneliness in the digital age.

“You will be found.” (Character: Company (led by Evan)) (Act I, Scene 6 (“You Will Be Found”))

Emerging

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Key Terms

Ballad

A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.

Belt

A powerful, resonant singing technique used in musical theatre to project high notes with chest voice.

Bridge

A transitional section in music or story structure that connects two themes or scenes, adding emotional or narrative flow.

Catharsis

Catharsis is the emotional release experienced by the audience at the conclusion of a tragedy or intense dramatic work. It allows viewers to purge feelings of fear, pity, or tension through the resolution of the play’s conflict. The concept dates back to Aristotle, who believed catharsis was central to the purpose of theatre.

Character Arc

A character arc is the journey of personal growth, change, or transformation that a character undergoes throughout a play or musical. It often involves overcoming internal or external obstacles, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself or others. Strong arcs help audiences connect emotionally with characters and give structure to the overall narrative.

Finale

The concluding musical or dramatic number that provides resolution and emotional closure for the audience.

Melisma

A vocal technique where one syllable is sung across several notes, common in gospel, R&B, and musical theatre.

Neurotic

A trait or condition affecting character behavior, often portrayed to reflect internal conflict or societal pressures.

Requiem

A musical or dramatic work honoring the dead, often evoking mourning or closure in operatic and theatrical contexts.

Social Anxiety

A psychological condition depicted in modern plays to explore vulnerability, alienation, and mental health.

Soliloquy

A speech delivered by a character alone on stage, revealing inner thoughts or emotions to the audience. Common in Shakespearean plays.

Videos

Quizzes

Guide Written By:

Laura Baronet

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