‘Dear Evan Hansen’ a deeply emotional, musical journey

HARTFORD — Evan Hansen is a troubled, unhappy teenager who feels invisible, and he desperately wants to be accepted, one of the gang. When another student at his high school commits suicide, Evan is swept into a web of lies not of his own making.

These untruths have the power to change his life and give him all the acceptance he so desires. Will he use this unexpected and unanticipated chance or will he admit the truth of his fabrications?

This deeply emotional musical at the Bushnell for the Performing Arts, “Dear Evan Hansen,” by Steven Levenson (book) and Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (music), follows Evan and his need to be part of the community, and the mistakes he makes trying to fit in and find friendship.

Songs such as “So Big/So Small.” “Requiem” and “Sincerely Me” propel the action. One misplaced letter assumes a powerful catalyst in Evan’s life, one he quickly loses control over.

Through Sunday, audiences will be carried along Evan’s journey of self-discovery. He works to achieve the

life he so dearly wants to live. Will he repair the bridges he needs to cross to become the young man he wants to be? Will he accept the undeserved gift that has fallen upon him?

Stephen Christopher Anthony stars as our reluctant hero who is thrust, unprepared, into the center of a drama. The cast includes Jessica Sherman, Claire Rankin, John Hemphill, Nikhil Saboo, Stephanie LaRochelle, Alessandro Costantini and Clara Alyse Harris.

Michael Greif, a four-time Tony Award nominee, will direct.

Evan Hansen is an outsider, always looking in, until a surprise event offers him everything he would ever desire. The Washington Post calls it “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history.”

For tickets ($52 and up), call the Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford, at 860-9875900 or go online at bushnell.org. Performances are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Remember to bring a vaccination card or recent negative COVID test and a mask.

Matthew Murphy / Contributed photo Stephen Christopher Anthony stars as Evan in The Bushnell for the Performing Arts’ production of “Dear Evan Hansen,” which runs through April 3 in Hartford.