Dear Evan Hansen: Another take
Warning: suicide, depression and substance use.
The acclaimed musical Dear Evan Hansen, created by Benji Pasek, Justin Paul and Steven Levenson, ran at the theatre at Fredericton High School from Sept. 24 to 26, in a production by Harmony Productions and Branch Out Productions.
Co-directed by Katie Hazzard and Jill Pelkey in partnership with local mental health and addiction associations, the show explores themes of loneliness, grief, suicide prevention and the need for connection.
Evan Hansen (Isaac Gilbert) is a 17-year-old desperately trying to belong. After classmate Connor Murphy (Delphi Brownlee) dies by suicide, a misunderstanding leads Connor’s family to believe Evan was his closest friend.
As the lie grows, Evan is welcomed into the family, caught between the connection he's always lacked and a truth that could cost him everything.
The production featured a 35-member ensemble appearing in pre-recorded video segments projected behind the actors, meaning much of the cast performed without looking at their scene partners.
“Finding the rhythm and the chemistry when you can’t even look at your scene partner has been a big challenge," said Martina Chaffey, who played Alana Beck.
One of the most affecting moments came in "So Big/So Small,” when Evan’s mother, Heidi (Kayla-Renée Ossachuk), finally opens up to her son, while the other characters close in around him on stage.
“Hang on, life gets better, we can push through,” said Chloe George, an audience member.
Hazzard and Pelkey said the show's themes were the reason they chose it.
“It holds a really important message around mental health and also reaching out to someone if you're feeling lost or need support,” Pelkey said.
As the curtains closed, the production left the audience with important reflections about connection, support and the importance of dialogue in difficult moments.
Dear Evan Hansen resonates with many viewers because it contains universal experiences and feelings that often remain hidden.
Behind everyday routines, smiles and brief ‘I’m good,’ there are struggles, fears, shame and experiences that frequently go unnoticed.
This play invites the audience to slow down and consider how many voices remain unheard and how easily someone’s pain can be overlooked or even judged.
The production carried personal weight for Hazzard, who lost a friend to mental health struggles earlier this year.
“If we can take this show and help someone else who might also be going through something like that, to get the help and support that they need, then I think that would be our work,” she said.
Through its story and its partnership with local mental health organizations, the production encourages audiences to reflect on those struggles, not only during Suicide Prevention Month, but throughout the year.
If you or someone you know needs support:
Talk Suicide Canada can be reached at 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 (between 4 p.m. and midnight ET).
For youth and adult walk-in or single-session support, services can also be accessed through One-Rec (1-833-281-2234) or online through Bridge the Gapp NB (nb.bridgethegapp.ca).
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