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Wednesday, 30 October 2024

Dear Evan Hansen UK Tour Shines with Stellar Cast Led by Ryan Kopel as Evan

Dear Evan Hansen (UK & Ireland Tour)

New Victoria Theatre

The UK touring production of Dear Evan Hansen is a powerful reimagining of this iconic musical, bringing a fresh perspective on the poignant themes of loneliness, mental health, and connection. With an emotionally charged lead performance by Ryan Kopel as Evan, this tour delivers an impactful night at the theatre, even if certain plot elements occasionally feel drawn out.

The story centers on Evan Hansen, an anxious high schooler who, after a classmate's tragic death, finds himself unintentionally entwined in a lie that spirals beyond his control. His journey explores themes of identity, social isolation, and the quest for belonging- a plot that resonates as deeply now as it did on the West End.

One of the biggest draws of this tour is the remarkable cast, each bringing a fresh, dynamic energy to their roles. Ryan Kopel’s portrayal of Evan is truly outstanding. The role is demanding, both physically and emotionally, requiring stamina, vulnerability, and incredible vocal control- Kopel delivers on all fronts. His clear, supported voice was faultless, his high notes beautifully sustained, adding depth to Evan's raw emotional state. In key numbers like 'Waving Through a Window' and 'Words Fail', Kopel navigates complex vocal lines with ease, creating a deeply moving experience for the audience.

Other cast members also stand out, especially Alice Fearn as Evan’s mother Heidi, whose raw emotion and vocal strength bring heart to the challenging role of a single mother trying to connect with her son. Lauren Conroy as Zoe Murphy brings a nuanced, sensitive touch to Evan’s love interest, balancing warmth with resilience. Tom Dickerson brings excellent comic relief to the musical as Jared Kleinman, bouncing off the other cast members brilliantly, as well as providing some great vocals. Killian Thomas Lefevre is engaging and interesting as Connor Murphy, while Vivian Panka brings real depth and charm to Alana Back. Meanwhile, Helen Anker and Richard Hurst as Cynthia and Larry Murphy round out a strong ensemble, infusing depth into the grieving parents navigating an unimaginable loss.

While the touring version of Dear Evan Hansen maintains the essence of the original West End production, subtle changes give it a fresh appeal. The staging is slightly pared down but still uses projections to convey the overwhelming impact of social media on Evan’s life. This simplified set design may lack the intricate detail of the West End, but it shifts the focus squarely onto the characters’ raw emotions, allowing the actors’ performances to truly shine.

The music, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, is the highlight and fundamental strength of the production. Songs like 'For Forever', 'Only Us' and the powerful ensemble number 'You Will Be Found' are beautifully melodic and resonate deeply, perfectly mirroring Evan's emotional turmoil and the longing for connection that permeates the story. That said, the show’s pacing lags at points, especially in the second act. Certain scenes feel slightly stretched, and the plot occasionally meanders, which impacts the overall flow. Nonetheless, the emotionally charged score and Kopel’s riveting performance help the production recover from these slower moments.

Ryan Kopel’s portrayal of Evan is nothing short of stellar, capturing the emotional weight of the role with impeccable vocal and physical stamina.”

Ultimately, this touring production of Dear Evan Hansen offers a heartfelt, stirring experience, driven by a cast whose performances capture the story’s core themes. While the pacing could benefit from a tighter structure, the show’s ability to connect with audiences remains as strong as ever. Ryan Kopel’s Evan is a tour de force- worth experiencing for his performance alone, as well as for the lovely ensemble that brings this story to life across the UK.

★★★★

Reviewed on Tuesday 29th October 2024 by Olivia

Photo Credit: Marc Brenner

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}

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Monday, 28 October 2024

Dear Evan Hansen Extends UK Tour with Extra Dates for 2025!

Fans across the UK now have extra chances to experience the powerful story of Dear Evan Hansen as ATG Productions announces an extended four-week run due to popular demand. This award-winning musical- celebrated with Olivier, Tony, and Grammy wins- will reach additional cities with new dates, bringing this moving production to even more audiences. The tour, directed by Nottingham Playhouse's Artistic Director Adam Penford, premiered at the Nottingham Playhouse in September 2024 and has captivated audiences nationwide with its emotional depth and impactful story.

Dear Evan Hansen tells the story of Evan, a socially anxious high schooler whose desire to fit in leads him down a path of tangled truths and unexpected consequences. Ryan Kopel (Newsies) stars as Evan, delivering a nuanced performance alongside Lauren Conroy (Into the Woods) as Zoe Murphy and Alice Fearn (Wicked, Come From Away) as Heidi Hansen, Evan’s mother. Supporting them is an ensemble cast, including Helen Anker (Mamma Mia!), Richard Hurst (The Lion King), TikTok-discovered Sonny Monaghan as alternate Evan, Killian Thomas Lefevre (Bat Out Of Hell) as Connor Murphy, Tom Dickerson (Heathers) as Jared Kleinman and Vivian Panka (9 to 5 the Musical) as Alana Beck. The ensemble are Lara Beth-Sas, Will Forgrave, Daniel Forrester, Jessica Lim, Sonny Monaghan and Elise Zavou. This marking the first UK production to incorporate an ensemble cast.

This extended leg will visit Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (June 10-14), Birmingham Alexandra (June 17-21), Grand Opera House York (June 24-28), and Edinburgh Playhouse (July 1-5), with tickets available now at evanontour.com. The production’s team boasts a high-caliber crew, with design by Morgan Large, choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, lighting by Matt Daw, and a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, whose songs have become musical theatre icons.

In partnership with The Mix, a UK charity supporting those under 25, Dear Evan Hansen provides resources and outreach to audiences affected by its themes, addressing mental health issues relevant to young people today. This partnership reinforces the musical’s mission to encourage conversation, support, and awareness for sensitive issues central to the story.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the unforgettable world of Dear Evan Hansen, a journey of truth, forgiveness, and resilience that speaks to audiences of all ages. Don’t miss your chance to witness this celebrated musical on its extended UK tour- book your tickets soon, as demand continues to grow.

photo credit: Marc Brenner

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Wednesday, 20 October 2021

9 to 5 The Musical (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review

9 to 5 The Musical (UK Tour)

New Wimbledon Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 19th October by Olivia Mitchell

★★★★

If a night of carefree fun is what you're after, look no further than the girl-power, 80s musical that is 9 to 5. Telling the tale of a group of women who are fed up of their misogynistic boss, the show is filled with tongue-in-cheek moments, high energy choreography and of course, the Queen of Country herself: Dolly.

Having seen this show in its various iterations, what's quite amazing is how it retains it's intensity and lavishness wherever it's situated. Musically, Dolly Parton's score pared with arrangements by Stephen Oremus, Alex Lacamoire and Mark Crossland is catchy and toe-tapping, whilst, Lisa Stevens' buoyant choreography keeps the momentum of the show going and provides there's always action across the stage. Tom Rogers' design which consists mostly of screens which light up various colours and desks which come in and out, is very effective and adds to the upbeat feel of the entire production.

Jeff Calhoun's production features a fantastic cast who perform with vigour and drive. Stephanie Chandos completely shines as Dolly's character, Doralee Rhodes. Funny, feisty and instantly likeable, Stephanie brings warmth to the role and provides a wonderful moment with Backwards Barbie. Vivian Panka is charming as the naive Judy Bernly who becomes an independent woman and finds herself throughout the show. Her rendition of Get Out and Stay Out is a real highlight and her overall performance is top notch. Louise Redhnapp is entertaining and capable as long term office employee, Violet Newstead. Together the trio are a real force as they take drastic measures to show their sexist boss, Franklin Hart Jnr. (played with faultless comic timing by Sean Needham) who's really in charge.

It's almost forty years since Violet, Judy, Doralee and their misogynistic boss made their way to screens in the film 9 to 5. But book writer, Patricia Resnick shows that whilst times have changed, unfortunately many of the issues are still prevalent and this remains a strong and necessary advocator of workplace (and life) equality. With a second act of just 45 minutes, this is a crowd-pleasing-production which flies by and serves up female-led-feel-good-fun on a shining platter.

photo credit: Pamela Raith

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