An emotional and thought-provoking masterclass.
Dear Evan Hansen at the Grand Opera House York, was one of the most emotionally resonant and beautifully staged productions I’ve ever seen.
From the moment the lights dimmed and the opening chords of “Waving Through a Window” echoed through the theatre, it was clear we were in for something special. The cast delivered powerful, nuanced performances that held the audience in rapt attention from start to finish. Ryan Kopel’ portrayal of Evan brought a vulnerability and raw honesty to the role that made his journey incredibly moving as well as hugely relatable to most audiences. His vocal performance was both delicate and commanding, effortlessly navigating the show’s emotionally charged score, and the sensitivity of Evan trying to find his way in a world where he feels unseen.
The entire ensemble was equally strong. Each character felt fully realised, and their interactions carried genuine emotional weight. Particular mention must go to Will Forgrave as Connor, Lara Beth-Sas as Zoe, and Alice Fearn as Evan’s mum. Forgrave brought a haunting intensity to Connor, capturing both his inner turmoil and the idealized version that lives on in Evan’s mind. Beth-Sas was utterly compelling as Zoe, balancing teenage fragility with strength and warmth, especially in the show-stopping “Requiem.” And Alice Fearn gave a breathtaking performance as Evan’s mother — her rendition of “So Big/So Small” was heart-wrenching, filled with aching sincerity that left the audience in silence before erupting into well-earned applause. A special mention must be made about Tom Dickerson’s performance as Jared, who brought a lightness and much-needed humour to an otherwise serious and emotional show. His impeccable timing and sarcastic delivery provided moments of joy, striking a perfect balance between comic relief and authenticity.
The staging was cleverly designed to reflect the themes of isolation and connection that run through the musical. The use of projections, screens, and minimalist set pieces was both modern and effective, immersing us in Evan’s digital world without overwhelming the emotional core of the story. The highlight of this has to be the way the internet was brought to life on stage in front of us, showcasing the comments and videos made for the Connor Project. It was a technical masterclass at its heart. Every element was executed flawlessly.
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s Tony and Grammy-winning score remains as powerful and poignant as ever. Songs like “You Will Be Found,” “For Forever,” and “Words Fail” are haunting in their beauty, and in this production, they were performed with such sincerity that many in the audience (myself included) were visibly moved to tears. These are not just songs — they are emotional journeys in themselves.
What sets this production apart is its ability to balance intense emotional themes with moments of genuine humour and hope. Reflecting everyday lives and scenarios that we ourselves may have gone through or are going through right now. It tackles mental health, grief, and the need to belong with sensitivity and honesty, making it not just a show, but a conversation. It’s theatre at its most impactful — encouraging empathy, reflection, and healing.
In short, Dear Evan Hansen at the Grand Opera House is a must-see. Whether you’re already a fan of the musical or new to it entirely, this production will leave a lasting impression. It’s an emotional rollercoaster in the best way — heartfelt, thought-provoking, and beautifully executed. Plus, it mirrors similarities in our own lives that make us feel seen and heard in ways we would never even think about otherwise. I left the theatre feeling deeply moved and incredibly grateful for the experience of seeing this once in a lifetime show.
Reviewer: Abigail Pendlebury
Reviewed: 24th June 2025
North West End UK Rating: