The 2017 Tony Award for Best Musical Dear Evan Hansen is playing at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Is it worth a watch?

Evan, a teenager with no friends is experiencing loneliness, isolation, and the incapacity to express himself at his age. He is recommended by his therapist to write letters to himself to help release the unwanted feelings. One letter Evan decides to print out at school is found by a teenager named Connor. Connor, very similar to Evan decides to make the letter a suicide note to his parents. Evan is in a dilemma, desiring to belong, and says that Connor was a good friend of his. Evan finds a place of belonging but soon his lie is discovered. He must deal with the consequences of his actions.

Dear Evan Hansen is a musical that makes you feel uncomfortable for the right reasons. Its important topics are placed in a story that everyone will see themselves in. It’s a love letter to those who are experiencing hard times in their lives. Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson delivers a book that makes you question reality vs fantasy, but overall tells a story that the most vulnerable will relate to.

The score by Benj Parsek and Justin Paul (La La Land and The Greatest Showman) creates a range of anthems that execute the themes of the story. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming one or two songs on your way home, Their lyrics reflect meaningful and powerful messages to the ear. The show includes an unforgettable cast including Anthony Norman as Evan whose emotions and song notes evoke a sense of openness and susceptibility. The way he performs as Evan will easily bring you to tears and will create change for those watching.

Dear Evan Hansen is elegantly staged. Its lighting design brings its storytelling to another level, making the immersive experience very special. Each character by the end of the show makes a transformation that makes everyone see eye to eye. No need to look around because Evan will help you be found.

Dear Evan Hansen is playing until July 31, 2022, at the Ahmanson Theatre. Buy tickets today by visiting centertheatregroup.org