“Dear Evan Hansen,” a heartfelt coming-of-age musical, begins at Tibbits Opera House on June 19. This production is generously sponsored by Parrish Excavating.
Evan Hansen is 17 and is just trying to find his place in the world. He’s shy, he’s struggling and he’s nursing a broken arm. But when a misunderstanding following a classmate’s tragic death mistakenly casts Evan in a new light, he’s given a chance to connect to new friends, new family and most importantly, himself. As his story unfolds, Evan learns that even in the darkest moments, there’s a way forward, and that “You Will Be Found.” Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, “Dear Evan Hansen” is a deeply moving celebration of hope, healing and the power of community.
Songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul have local roots, having both attended the University of Michigan. In 2024, they both completed the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony), becoming the 20th and 21st people to do so. “Dear Evan Hansen” earned them their first Tony Award in 2017 and won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album.
“Dear Evan Hansen” is rated PG-13 primarily for thematic material involving teen suicide, depression and lying, alongside brief strong language (including the f-word), suggestive references and drug/alcohol use. A representative from Pines Behavioral Health will be available after each performance to discuss their services. Additionally, Pines Behavioral Health will be hosting a free forum on the impacts of social media on mental health on Wednesday, July 24 at 5pm at Tibbits Opera House.
“Dear Evan Hansen” is directed by Meriah Sage and choreographed by Carina Milano. The cast consists of J Perry as Evan Hansen, Stephanie Burdick as Heidi Hansen, Marryn Barney as Zoe Murphy, Gabriel J. Hill as Connor Murphy, Tonilyn Hussey as Cynthia Murphy, Chad Tallon as Larry Murphy, Jared Kleinman as Matthew Cook, Mika Umemura as Alana Beck, and Belle Fockler, Frankie Alba, Carina Milano, Maya Narayan and Gerard Wells as the ensemble cast.
The production team for “Dear Evan Hansen” consists of music director Rachael Rose, production stage manager Abby Papenfuss, scenic designer Kristin Ellert, costume designer Marley Boone, lighting designer Stephan Sakowski, sound designer Thess Holloway, props artisan Lindsey Hall, technical director Sebastian James, assistant stage managers Marlie Dietz and Sam Ryan, costume shop supervisor Hayden Elowsky, costumer Gianna Bratke, scenic painter Andrea Imsland, head carpenter Ryan Hodges, carpenter Oliver Fisher-Rohde, head electrician Jeff Harvey, assistant props artisan and assistant scenic painter Sara Czerniawski and electrician Gavin Sage.
“Dear Evan Hansen” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
“Dear Evan Hansen” runs June 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 and 27. Tickets and information are available at Tibbits.org or by calling 517.278.6029. All performances are held at the historic Tibbits Opera House at 14 S. Hanchett Street, in Coldwater.
Parrish Excavating has been a mainstay in the community since its founding in Quincy, Michigan, in 1972. Tibbits Opera House wishes to thank the team at Parrish Excavating for its sponsorship of “Dear Evan Hansen” in this year’s Summer Theatre series, as well as its sponsorship support of the theatre since 2017, and its overall support which goes on much longer still.
