Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...For me, at least, "Dear Evan Hansen" remains an important American musical because of the originality of its thought, the strength of its score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and, frankly, its ability to hit such a chord with audiences without telling the story of a pop star or adapting some long-popular movie. Musicals built from whole cloth, as the writer Steven Levenson crafted this one, remain rare. And hit ones are even rarer."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...“Dear Evan Hansen” is an irresistibly upbeat, insistent testimony to the belief that no one is alone. The tunefully arcing optimism of “You Will Be Found” hits like a blast of sunshine. But despite the euphoria that informs much of the score and the sense of well-being that concludes Steven Levenson’s book, “Dear Evan Hansen” also shows the irrecoverable losses that occur when feelings of alienation shut out all the light. "
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...For those who are already fans of Dear Evan Hansen, this tour is a great opportunity to see the show, especially since the Broadway production closed in September. Although it didn't resonate with me, there were many in the audience on opening night who obviously felt differently-from the middle-aged dad who wore a striped, blue polo and toted a bag full of merchandise to the woman next to me who cried through the second act. For their sake, I am glad this musical is back in Chicago."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"..."Dear Evan Hanson" is indeed a story that will educate and entertain. At times, it is scary , knowing that what is being said, can be realized. I suggest that you bring at least 5 tissues as you will need two to end the first act and three during act two."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...“Dear Evan Hansen” is one of the most honest, emotionally moving and truly contemporary pieces of theatre since “Next to Normal.” For that reason, this production is often weakened by many exaggerated performances. When overacting is substituted for honest emotion, is diminishes the truth of the story. But, on the positive side, this is still an original musical that’ll appeal to audiences of all ages, but particularly speaks to younger theatergoers. It’s so important to cultivate new audiences and this is a show that will hook even the most reluctant patron. Promising to both entertain and release a floodgate of forgotten emotions, “Dear Evan Hansen” is sure to continue its popularity with audiences of all ages."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...In the ensuing years, our whirlwind world’s made media and songs and moments come and go, and I’d totally forgotten about the show, about what I’d known about it before, about all the hype all those hype cycles ago. Which made me come into this production more in the dark than I think I ever have for a show. This was new, like if I’d walked into Broadway’s Music Box Theatre in 2016, before all the hype and the Tony awards and everything else, and I was just there to enjoy a really good musical. And this musical proved to be just that, thanks to a stellar cast and crew."
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...Ultimately, this show raises some interesting points about why we lie that may linger for you long after the curtain closes. Some lies we tell ourselves to make us feel better. Some lies we tell others to make them feel better. For the latter, could this really be more virtuous than telling them the truth if we believe that the truth will hurt them even more? Or is this usually just another self-serving lie we tell ourselves?"
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Loop-ways, the Nederlander isn’t glowing with warm and modest candlelight, but with a bazillion smartphone and desktop screens, all showing off perfectly curated social media feeds. Indeed, the title character of Dear Evan Hansen has a rival in Peter Nigrini’s projection design. In tandem with David Korins’s inky void of a set, they become a force in their own right."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended
"...In "Dear Evan Hansen," a lonely, high school senior gets in way over his head when another student, Connor Murphy, takes his own life. Through a series of misunderstandings, a letter that Evan Hansen writes to himself becomes mistaken for Connor's suicide note and Evan becomes a high school hero and a comfort to the boys' grieving family."
Picture This Post - Highly Recommended
"...Breathtaking performances, a jaw-dropping score, and an unforgettable story make Dear Evan Hansen a musical that will stick with you for days."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"..."Dear Evan Hansen" is not like any other musical you are likely to see. Its clever and well-crafted songs are upbeat, life-affirming and move the action forward as is the case with many musicals. But the characters inhabit a dark, post-millennial, pre-pandemic world where the narrative one can create, shape and spread instantaneously via social media becomes far more real than reality itself."
