Review Roundup: DEAR EVAN HANSEN Tour Relaunches; Read the Reviews!

The third year of the record-breaking North American Tour of Dear Evan Hansen relaunched on December 7, 2021 in Greensboro, North Carolina. The tour will stop by more than 30 cities across the US and Canada in the 2021/2022 season.

For a full list of tour cities and venues, visit www.dearevanhansen.com.

Let's see what the critics are saying...

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Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts - Greensboro, NC

News & Record: I have seen "Beautiful" and "Dear Evan Hansen" and the quality of both was excellent. There were a few times during "Dear Evan Hansen" when I thought the sound was not balanced properly and the music overpowered the lyrics. A friend had the same complaint about "Wicked." Other than that, the performances have been great.

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts - West Palm Beach, FL

Mary Damiano, Palm Beach Daily News: Clocking in at around three hours, "Dear Evan Hansen" is a long show, a multi-media barrage featuring fine performances and memorable songs. The scenic design's main component is rotating, vertical screens which display a dizzying, ever-changing montage of news feeds, text messages and emails, illustrating the non-stop social media frenzy that pervade the lives of the show's teen characters and its core audience. The show speaks to the need for human connection, and the modern paradox of having a slew of online friends, but not having a friend in the true sense of the word.

John Thomason, Boca Magazine: Extraordinarily cast, and directed with sharpness and authenticity by Michael Grief, this tour delivers the sort of lighting in a bottle every production hopes for, in the form of humor and pathos, soaring songs and engrossing dialogue, a dexterous orchestra and an innovative scenic design. The latter, by David Korins, offers a vision of endless social media scrolls projected behind the action, a presentation reflecting the overwhelming ubiquity of this technology in the characters' lives and in the propulsion of the story.

Orpheum Theater - Omaha, NE

Bruce Miller, Sioux City Journal: Blessed with telling songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, "Dear Evan Hansen" tests its actors' range. Anthony complements them nicely but Sherman's big number, "So Big/So Small," could have used a softer approach throughout. When members of the Murphy family try to process their grief, "Requiem" becomes an ensemble piece that readies the audience for the stirring "You Will Be Found."

Courtney Brummer-Clark, Omaha World Herald: As a parent, it can be tough to relate to our kids' struggles. We might justify that in the fact that they are younger and haven't had to deal with the world in ways adults have. But that's where "Dear Evan Hansen" - and Vall - reminded me that kids today have their own perceptions and are inundated with tremendous stresses that generations before them never had to manage.

Bass Performance Hall - Fort Worth, TX

Emily Short, BroadwayWorld: Sam Primack perfectly matched his mannerisms with his character's progression of maturity throughout the performance. As Evan experienced more and found himself further consumed in a unique situation, there were times when he physically seemed more confident and was willing to share his thoughts. There was one stunning moment when Primack depicted a severe panic attack, sitting on the ground and scooting to the outskirts of the spotlight to make his arm cast, marked with "CONNOR" written in large letters, the focal point of the scene.

Civic Center Music Hall - Oklahoma City, OK

Adrienne Proctor, BroadwayWorld: The principal players do a great job of recreating the original Broadway cast. Sam Primack is brilliant as Evan Hansen. He channels the nervous energy that Ben Platt made famous in the role (and every role he ever plays), and makes it his own. Primack has stunning moments on stage in solo numbers and touches hearts with the anthem "Waving Through a Window". Alessandro Costantini is loveably obnoxious as Evan's best friend Jared. Ciara Alyse Harris is bubbly as Alana. Harris finds the balance between happy-go-lucky and struggling with mental health, much like everyone in the school is doing.

Times Union Performing Arts Center - Jacksonville, FL

Jordan Higginbotham, BroadwayWorld: "Words Fail" accurately describes the incredible talent of the leading man, Evan Hansen (Stephen Christopher Anthony). Not only does he play the awkward, anxiety-riddled high school student stereotypically, but in a completely relatable way. Anthony brought tears to my eyes, and my face mask and shirt, in his performances of "For Forever", "You Will Be Found", and "Words Fail." Anthony was born to play the role of Evan Hansen.

Charlie Patton, The Florida Times-Union: The show that opened in Jacksonville this week has a fine cast headed by Stephen Christopher Anthony as Evan Hansen and Stephanie La Rochelle as Zoe Murphy.

Straz Center [Carol Morsani Hall] - Tampa, FL

Drew Eberhard, BroadwayWorld: Sam Primack standing in as Alternate for Stephen Christopher Anthony on Tuesday night was exemplary. He had the right amount of emotion and nervous/anxious energy, but you still felt for him the entire time. Every moment from beginning to end was grounded and real, nothing forced, nothing fake, just sincere human emotion. His voice was outstanding and filled every depth and crevice contained within Morsani Hall. My heart broke right along with him in "For Forever," and "Word's Fail." My heart soared with hope and love during "You Will Be Found," and made me reflect on the past with "Waving Through a Window." If you get the chance to see Sam on stage, this is the role to see him in.

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center - Fort Myers, FL

Dave Elias, NBC2: While it certainly has adult themes and some strong language at times, it is certainly something teenagers can and should see. Finally, if you saw the movie don't let that influence your decision to see the stage performance that outweighs the movie. Dear Evan Hansen is an experience and for that reason, I believe you can book your tickets with confidence that this show will move you and stick with you for some time.

Tennessee Performing Arts Center - Nashville, TN

Jeffrey Ellis, BroadwayWorld: Stephen Christopher Anthony embodies the eponymous title character with equal parts awkward charm and startling theatrical talents, imbuing his interpretation of Evan with self-deprecation and a sense of humor that allows his audience complete accessibility to him. Anthony, who last appeared on the TPAC stage in the 2013 national tour of Catch Me If You Can in the role of Frank Abignale Jr., displays great versatility, providing an anti-hero with whom his audience can empathize with - and, perhaps, identify with - while expressing himself frankly (his performance of Evan's signature tunes is, by turns, heartbreaking, powerful and emotionally driven). Evan remains intense and rather self-centered, but thanks to Anthony's deft portrayal he is sweetly appealing.

Belmont Vision: But Evan, a lonely kid that doesn't feel like a cheap or cookie-cutter geek, truly carries this show. And Anthony's portrayal hit all the right notes, technically and emotionally, on Tuesday. From the get-go, his nervous ticks, rambling efforts at conversation and softly muttered one-liners oozed a lovable shyness. And as the story progressed, so did the palpability of his character's inner turmoil.

Schuster Performing Arts Center - Dayton, OH

Michael Woody - Dayton Local: Stephen Christopher Adams you so totally embody the character of Evan Hansen that your hands are probably actually sweaty. You fully capture his nervous anxiety and meekness. The show is an emotional journey, and you serve as captain throughout, holding the audience in your sweaty palms without letting us drop. Your frame may be small, but your voice is surprisingly huge. Your performance is a delight to witness and your talents have certainly been found.

Hippodrome Theatre - Baltimore, MD

Timoth David Copney, BroadwayWorld: I could write paragraphs about each of the cast members but that's not practical, so let's go with some highlights. Ciara Alyse Harris as Alana Beck has a beautiful voice and can be quite funny. Alessandro Costantini as Jared has the best comedic timing I've seen for a while, and a voice that fits his character to a tee. Claire Rankin and John Hemphill are well cast as the Murphys, parents of the young man who commits suicide. Hemphill in particular has a poignancy that he keeps well hidden through much of the drama but when he allows it to peek through, it's impressive.

Karen Nitkin, Baltimore Fishbowl: The show is long, at two and a half hours (including intermission), but the plot skips along and the energy remains high. We are getting to know these characters, not watching them perform for us, following along in horror as small gestures and decisions reap agonizing consequences.

Ben Fisler, MD Theatre Guide: The most spectacular moment came in the final scene, when the back wall ascended and a blinding dawn scape filled the theatre- necessary, if heavy-handed metaphor for the new day rising a year after the core events of the musical. Much of the design wasn't especially noticeable, which in a show like this is perfect. There were no mistakes in the execution of sound; the costumes fit the characters so well they seem a part of them.

Proctor's Theatre - Schenectady, NY

J. Peter Bergman, The Edge: The tour's Evan, Stephen Christopher Anthony, is vocally a tenor who constantly shoves his voice into a weak falsetto which amplifies the character's displayed weaknesses. In some ways this makes the high school senior slightly more lovable, even though it makes him a bit hard to take.

Bob Goepfort, WAMC: Stephen Christopher Anthony is ideal as Evan Hansen. He has natural charm that, combined with tender vulnerability, makes you want to protect him. This is a critical factor because it is obvious that at some point Evan crosses the moral line between a lie of omission to a sin of commission.

Bill Kellert, Nippertown: On the positive side, the show is riveting in its production. The black set, illuminated by amazing computer graphics, as if we are watching and eventually become enveloped into a giant computer screen becomes another character in the play. Peter Nigrini's projection design often overtakes the show, becoming a character unto itself. A piece of contemporary theater at its finest. Japhy Weideman's lighting design underscores and works in tandem with the projection design; rarely in recent memory has the lighting been such an important impactful part of the production.

Steve Barnes, Times Union: Collectively, the cast is faultless, their powerful voices matched equally by their acting talent and ably backed by a nine-member onstage band led by music director/keyboardist Garrett Healey.

Bushnell Theater - Hartford, CT

Nancy Sasso Janis, Patch: Sam Primack, the alternate Evan Hansen, who also understudies Connor Murphy and Jared Kleinman, appeared on opening night in the title role and nailed everything about it. Primack is a Phoenix, AZ native who appeared on Broadway in "Dear Evan Hansen" and was a 2017 Jimmy Award finalist. Stephen Christopher Anthony, 30, who was on Broadway in "Dear Evan Hansen" as the Evan understudy and in "Book of Mormon," shares the title role.

Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant: But as somber and serious as the story (scripted by Steven Levenson) gets, it regularly resets its mood with expressions of hope and understanding. "Dear Evan Hansen" will make you think of downbeat Broadway fare like "Next to Normal" yet it also has a surprising amount in common with "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," or all those Disney Channel movies where kids tell outrageous lies in order to be distinctive or popular.

PPAC - Providence, RI

Andria Tieman, BroadwayWorld: Stephen Christopher Anthony is fantastic as Evan Hansen. He's charming and believable as a teen who is overwhelmed by seemingly everything, and some of the best moments of this show are when he's having awkward conversations with his peers. His singing voice is raw and compelling, and despite playing a character who seems like he doesn't want the spotlight on himself, Anthony commands the stage whenever he's on it.

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center - Appleton, WI

Warren Gerds, We Are Green Bay: Stephen Christopher Anthony stars in this production as Evan Hansen. He impresses with his full-on depiction: Lines delivered at warp speed, high notes and emotion galore in songs and a kaleidoscope of sort in physicality - the touching of palms to face, wiping the nose with the back of the hand, the hand-arm gestures of emphasis, hands to the eyes... more or less constant. With precision, Stephen Christopher Anthony portrays an egg shell personality suddenly becoming a voice.

Kelly Arseneau, Post Crescent: As the show's title character, Anthony strikes a balance between the heavier and more light-hearted aspects of the show. Anthony's Evan is simultaneously a severely lonely, anxious and depressed teenager and a loveable, quirky lead with impeccable comedic timing.

Murat Theatre - Indianapolis, IN

The Marriage Matinee, BroadwayWorld: I had already fallen in love with the music of Dear Evan Hansen before I took my seat opening night, but it came alive in new ways during this performance. There is something fundamentally different about witnessing live theater, and for me, it's the ability to fully suspend disbelief and sit in the emotions created by the performers on stage. Emotions absolutely swirled on the stage of the Murat Theatre, and it was an exceptional experience.

Melissa Hall, BroadwayWorld: The Tuesday night production was entirely understudies except for the roles of Zoe and Connor, but that made no difference to the level of excellence. Despite the serious subject matter, there's plenty of humor in the musical. "Sincerely, Me" is a fun and playful number, and Jared, played by Matthew Edward Kemp, was full of sarcastic quips. The "Only Us" duet between Zoe and Evan was beautiful. Sam Primack played the title character and he captures the angst of high school life and the awkwardness that seems ingrained in every interaction. I also loved that the moms are shown as real, complicated people and not just caricatures. Trying to connect with your teenagers is a challenge fraught with land mines.

Scott L. Miley, The Herald Bulletin: Primack, with a cherubic, youthful face, has an emotive tenor that cuts to the heart of his songs. He also perfects awkward moves to emphasize his naive demeanor and encapsulates a boy whose brain cannot keep up with his mouth.

Overture Center - Madison, WI

Aaron R. Conklin, Madison Magazine: As the striped-shirt wearing star, Steven Christopher Anthony does a fantastic job of inhabiting the eccentricities and anxieties of the awkward loner - his tittering laugh, his tendencies to apologize for everything he says, etc. - and that's important, because it's the only way the show can build audience sympathy. Anthony's vocal range, meanwhile, is spectacular, soaring higher than the trees his character's prone to climbing in songs like "Waving Through a Window" and, towards the show's end, "Words Fail."

Scott Rawson, BroadwayWorld: I enjoyed this show. The actors were amazing, engaging and empathically believable. I felt things. I was affected, especially by the reprise of "You Will be Found". I was also left wanting. Wanting some sort of amends or closure for the Murphy family and Evan's issues with lies being wrapped up. It wasn't important that he "get the girl", and yet I wanted to know how he and all the rest of the characters would go on. I still want to know.

Wharton Center - Lansing, MI

Liz Ness, The State News: The first monologue given by Evan, played by Stephen Christopher Anthony, set the stage for the rest of the story, portraying how the character fixates on awkward situations and his insecurity in not only himself but his interactions with others. Not only did Anthony's acting chops behind the awkward and frightened persona impress me, but his supreme vocal skills made him equally as effective as Michael Lee Brown was on Broadway when I saw him stand in as Evan.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts - Denver, CO

Olivia M., In Good Taste Denver: That said, the plot feels very much like 'hurry up and wait. And wait. And wait some more,' because while the songs are tremendous and delivered with emotional perfection, they start to drag. The set itself is simple: the orchestra perched upstage, multi-purpose electronic screens hanging in different spots, and platforms with beds and tables rolled in automatically. It creates an intimate atmosphere, matching the conversations taking place. So, in this reviewer's opinion, during moments of confession, sometimes words are more powerful when spoken rather than sung in a grand number that doesn't quite land the heartstring-tugging punches a frank, in-your-face conversation would.

San Jose Center for the Performing Arts - San Jose, CA

Linda Hodges, BroadwayWorld: Evan feels safer in the darkness, as if the sunlight will burn him. Set Designer David Korins made use of this theme when he designed a vast electronic, dark void for Evan's world. It acts as a canvas for Projection Designer Peter Nigrini's massive sliding panels that are filled top to bottom with social media words and pics, the universal backdrop of teenage life. Lighting designer Japhy Weideman uses the darkness to create movement and feeling and eventually light.

Gabe Meline, KQED: Dear Evan Hansen's script is not without its flaws. I am not the first to point out the finale's lack of comeuppance, or that some of the play's online references are already obsolete and need updating. But for anyone who's tried to coexist with social media and found it to be at first fascinating, then addicting, then boring, and ultimately paralyzing, the show captures the experience really, really well.

Ahmanson Theatre - Los Angeles, CA

Socks Whitmore, Stage Raw: On the heels of Ben Platt's iconic origination of the role and reprisal of it in the film adaptation, Anthony Norman as Evan Hansen has big shoes to fill, but he does not disappoint. Norman exudes tangible neurodivergency and leans into the character's anxiety, influenced by but distinct from Platt's own autistic-like realization of Evan as seen on screen. Norman's performance of an anxiety attack while public speaking hits especially hard with its roots in realism, though other moments such as the climactic number "Words Fail" lack the raw, guttural energy so pristinely captured on the cast album. For audience members familiar with the score, expectations in this regard are perhaps skewed; the role of Evan Hansen is one of intense mental and physical demand that in an on-stage environment forces the performer to choose between vocal technique and emotional devastation, and any actor in the role is already a champion for inhabiting such intense, sustained anxiety six nights a week (with matinees).

National Arts Centre - Ottawa, ON

Courtney Castelino, BroadwayWorld: The acting by the entire cast was truly incredible. Although their experience levels are quite varied, this was one of the most even casts I have ever seen in a touring production. I would be hard pressed to choose any one individual as a stand-out, but it must be noted that Norman's performance as the socially awkward Evan was utterly convincing, with small affectations and quirks adding to the authenticity. Also, Hemphill's silent portrayal of Larry Murphy's tough shell finally cracking and succumbing to his grief was absolutely gut wrenching.

Lynn Saxberg, Ottawa Citizen: The cast is superb in this show, led by Anthony Norman in the title role. With his twitching hands, stammer and avoidance of eye contact, Norman captures the angst of a teenage boy to perfection, while also showing himself to be a confident performer with a commanding voice and impressive range. Another standout is the work of Micaela Lamas, who plays student networker extraordinaire Alana Beck and provides comedic foil, lighting up every scene she's in.

Forrest Theatre - Philadelphia, PA

G K Schatzman, BroadwayWorld: The show plays with deep-cut themes: the excruciation of being estranged from those who are supposed to be closest; the way loneliness gnaws at you like drug withdrawal, until you'll do the craziest things for connection. The touring cast, which includes a debut role for Alaina Anderson (playing Zoe Murphy) and the greenhorn Anthony Norman as the title character, comes together full force in the dramatic scenes, and a few faltering steps along the way - chiefly, less-than-lustrous vocal performance from Norman - don't take a drop of feeling out of the show's big moments. Wednesday night's crowd buzzed, sniffled, and thundered applause.

Jamie Flowers, West End Best Friend: One of the best things about this production of Dear Evan Hansen is how visually interesting it is. The scenery is minimal with simple furnishings brought in on mini stages and a huge social media backdrop of texts, blogs, and other messages blurring by to show how quickly information (or misinformation) can be spread. The lighting is brilliant in both its functionality and the way it seems to highlight the internal struggles of the characters. Being able to see the octet play floating above the stage gives them an ethereal quality that gives the music the same power as the actors. "Dear Evan Hansen, this is going to be a good day," and it will be if you go and see the show while it is here in Philadelphia.

Kennedy Center - Washington, DC

Ken Kemp, BroadwayWorld: Dear Evan Hansen tackles sensitive mental health subjects like social anxiety, loneliness, teen suicide and dysfunctional families, and features beautiful music and lyrics by Justin Paul and Benj Pasek and a book by Steven Levinson that combines a gentle touch and just enough levity to keep the narrative from becoming maudlin. The musical arrangements are spare and elegant, moving seamlessly from acoustic to rock to string ensemble to create a shifting palette of musical moods.

Doug Rule, Metro Weekly: It long ago shed its original cachet as the edgiest pop culture phenom around about disaffected teens. In fact, years of audience-pleasing commercial success might have smoothed some of the show's formerly sharp edges. As, say, NBC's Hairspray Live! is to John Waters' film Hairspray, so does this touring iteration of Dear Evan Hansen appear to be a well-executed version of a version of something that likely felt more authentic in an earlier form.

Fisher Theatre - Detroit, MI

Carmichael Cruz, Click On Detroit: On-stage for almost the entirety of the show, Norman displays the complexity of navigating the tumultuous events surrounding the letter with sincerity and depth. The audience is immediately captivated with his rendition of "Waving Through a Window," arguably one of the toughest songs for a tenor in the modern Broadway songbook.

Emily Schenk, BroadwayWorld: When I was young, my father told me, "you know what makes a great show? One that can make you laugh and cry all within two and a half hours." With this being the standard I've looked for as I have frequented the theatre, I must say this musical truly accomplishes this. I laughed when Evan would try to talk to Zoe and get tongue-tied with his words. I cried when the audience learned more about Heidi and Evan and what they have been through. The show tackles family issues, growing pains, friendship, and first love. I must say, though, my favorite lesson I took from the experience was learning what it takes to not only feel accepted by your peers but to also accept yourself.

Altria Theater - Richmond, VA

Tony Farrell, Richmond Times Dispatch: But in what could be cataloged as the first work of theater to address the effects of modern social media with an unblinking eye, the fascinating and often moving "Dear Evan Hansen" creates a fresh blueprint for just how harshly guilt, loneliness and paralyzing anxiety, for both teenagers and adults, can haunt the human mind and heart.

Chrysler Hall - Norfolk, VA

The Virginian-Pilot

Orpheum Theatre - Memphis, TN

AniKatrina Fageol, BroadwayWorld: The national tour features some incredible talent. The show is taxing both musically and emotionally, and Anthony Norman handles the challenge spectacularly as the title character. The show's main criticsms surround Evan's choices about he handles the situation he is (at first) forced into and how much of his anxiety is due to guilt about lying. It's a very interesting line to walk and Norman portrays the role with enough anxiety and unsuredness that we believe him when he sings that he never meant to make a mess of things. On the flip side, Pablo David Laucerica's character of Jared offers the comedic relief we need to briefly escape the heavy emotion. Interestingly enough, it is Jared who points out to Evan that without Connor's death, no one would know who Evan was. That statement makes audiences start to question whether Evan is truly a good character or not. He clearly profits from the tragedy and it is fairly difficult to see Evan fitting so well into Connor's place within his family.

James M. Nederlander Theatre - Chicago, IL

Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune: 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.

Dennis Polkow, New City Stage: "Dear Evan Hansen" is every bit as manipulative, to be sure. And some are annoyed at this, choosing to take it all quite literally and want Evan to face a big comeuppance and severe consequences rather than take it all as the brilliant contemporary parable it is. Who is at fault here? Evan for lying or the world around him for only thinking he matters once he does?

Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, CA

Steve Murray, BroadwayWorld: Evan is trapped in his web of deceit, not a malicious intent, but hurtful when tinkering with people's grief. All the teens in DEH are flawed; the tech geek Jared (Pablo David Laucerica) who assists Evan create a false backstory, Alana (Micaela Lamas) who jumps right in to the deception in her grab for acceptance, the druggie outsider Connor, and his sister Zoe (understudied by Gillian Jackson Han) who resented her distant brother. These kids are as fractured as David Korin's wonderful scenic design of hanging panels projecting Facebook feeds of tweets and emails.

Jay Barmann, SFist: The latest San Francisco run at the Orpheum opened last week and the cast features several standout performers - including some stellar, rawly visceral acting by Anthony Norman as Evan, and a standout turn as Connor by August Emerson. The understudy for Zoe Murphy, Gillian Jackson Han, went on for press night and was also terrific. The production still has the quick pacing and forceful momentum as when it appeared at the Curran in late 2018. But it's hard not to pick out the kinks - especially some missed notes and pitchiness throughout.

Centennial Hall at the University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ

Cathalena E. Burch, Tucson.com: On paper, "Dear Evan Hansen" might remind you of those old ABC "Afterschool Specials," shows geared to teens that dealt with difficult and oftentimes controversial situations. But in a world where mental health and suicide have been elevated from whispered conversations to national ad campaigns, the story strikes a universal chord that crosses generations.

George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theatre - Salt Lake City, UT

Tyler Hinton, BroadwayWorld: Anthony Norman's portrayal of Evan is grounded and driven, likeable and even loveable. He carries the show on his shoulders with poise and magnetism. His mother, Heidi, is played by Broadway and Pioneer Theatre Company alum Coleen Sexton with vigor, motherly instincts, and hard-hitting vocals.

Linda Hunt, Salt Lake Magazine: The captivating scenic design by David Korins and projection design by Peter Nigrini aptly set the stage backdrop in motion with projected social media platforms scrolling, rolling, repeating "shares," "likes" and headlines to underscore its overwhelming power of persuasion.

Paramount Theatre - Seattle, WA

Kelly Rogers Flynt, BroadwayWorld: The cast led by Anthony Norman as Evan Hansen gives an emotionally-charged performance. Norman's quirky teen is full of angst and worry. He allows storytelling to direct his choices which leads to a wonderful authenticity. Coleen Sexton as Heidi Hansen, didn't pull any punches and let the tears flow. Parenting is hard, and Sexton connected with every parent's sense of self-doubt. Reese Sebastian Diaz stepped in as Jared Kleinman for the night and absolutely killed it. The role of Larry Murphy is often overlooked, but John Hemphill gave him dimension and heart underneath his aloofness. Lili Thomas as Cynthia Murphy takes us through all the stages of grief and shows us the power of connecting with our feelings, even the hard ones. Alaina Anderson's portrayal of Zoe Murphy is understated and exudes girl-next-door charm. August Emerson as Connor Murphy is the tough guy full of pain. His haunting stares hint at the turmoil that lies beneath. Micaela Lamas as Alana Beck reminds us that those within our sphere have their own stories and struggles.

First Interstate Center for the Arts - Spokane, WA

Carolyn Lamberson, The Spokesman-Review: It also sounds like a downer, but it's not really. There are moments of heartfelt emotion, especially from Connor's parents, played by Lili Thomas and Daniel Robert Sullivan, as they work through their confusion and grief. Evan's mom, played by Coleen Sexton, is struggling too, juggling job and school and a kid who needs help. She is slow to realize what's been happening with her son, and when she does, it's heartbreaking.

Popejoy Hall - Albuquerque, NM

Adrian Gomez, Albuquerque Journal: Norman spends a lot of time on the stage and I found each moment to be captivating. With power and plenty of vulnerability, Norman is able to round out the many characteristics of Evan Hansen. By doing this, the audience can feel a connection.

Washington Pavilion - Sioux Falls, SD

Sonja Niles, BroadwayWorld: You can see, hear and feel the anxiety and tension in the character of Evan Hansen in large part due to the enormous weight of a modern society obsessed with social media. Anthony Norman as Evan Hansen, brings his character to life with a sincere and authentic portrayal of a high school kid navigating all the things we all went through to a degree at his age, but with the complications of a chance encounter in a computer lab soon to become the crux of the plot of this story. His performance also appears to utilize the behavioral signs of a young man on the autism spectrum.

Benedum Center for the Performing Arts - Pittsburgh, PA

Sue, Pgh Lesbian: The first thing I noticed when we got there was the people that attended this show were a bit different than the ones that we usually see at the plays. Many were mothers (or motherly figures) and their sons. I feel like each of the mothers that I saw secretly knew that their sons could be Evan who is an anxious teen that feels isolated and alone at home and at school or Colton who is a trouble teen that also is struggling with life and feels that he had no other option than to take his life. As parents we never want to see our children suffer and this is a modern look at high school students and their everyday struggles.

Landmark Theatre - Syracuse, NY

Len Fonte, Syracuse.com: "Dear Evan Hansen," the Broadway mega-hit musical presented by the Broadway in Syracuse series at the Landmark Theatre, washes over the audience in waves of recognition, soulfully bringing back memories of a painful time to much of its audience. There's a little bit of Evan Hansen in most of us.

Connor Palace - Cleveland, OH

Roy Berko, BroadwayWorld: From the opening number, "Anybody Have a Map?," to Connor's I want/am song, "Waving Through a Window," to the emotion-draining "Requiem" and finally to the first act ending, the gut-wrenching "You Will Be Found," which found many in the audience vocally sobbing, the show is an emotional roller-coaster.

Civic Center Of Greater Des Moines - Des Moines, IA

DC Felton, BroadwayWorld: When it first came to Des Moines, "Dear Evan Hansen" was one of the first shows I had the opportunity to review. So it was thrilling for me to return and take another look at this show and what made it successful across the world. This time seeing the show, I was taken by the simplicity of David Korins's set. Every piece used during the show has a specific purpose. Keeping it to a few pieces on stage at a time allows Peter Nigrini's projections to fill in what the audiences need to see to visually tell the story. This is all tied together beautifully with Japhy Weideman's stellar lighting design and Emily Rebholz's costumes.

Shea's Performing Arts Center - Buffalo, NY

Gail Gordon, Buffalo Rising:  Steven Levinson’s script is much deeper than the book for most musicals. The songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul are provocative and stirring. The production has been tightly and sensitively directed by Michael Greif. And the screen projections by Peter Nigrini are spectacular. Consistently throughout the production, there are both splendid vocals and refreshingly believable and sensitive acting. And I could understand practically all of the lyrics – thanks to precise articulation by the actors and solid sound design by Nevin Steinberg.

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