Spreckels has opened its 2026/27 season with the controversial, but much celebrated, musical Dear Evan Hansen. Directed with tight precision by Kim Bromley and with deft music direction by Kenji Harada, it runs at the Spreckels Performing Center in Rohnert Park through Oct. 11.
It’s a contemporary story of high schoolers grappling with life and hormones amidst the beckoning void of social media. While this might not be the right musical for everyone, it must be acknowledged that this is a sensational cast nonetheless.
Titular Evan (an exceptional Addison Brown) struggles with anxiety and depression. His single mom (powerhouse Michelle Pagano, whose work here feels deeply rooted in truth) works too much but tries to do her best. Evan’s unseen therapist prescribes him the daily task to write himself letters, one of which falls into the hands of another vulnerable teen, Connor (Nathaniel Howe), and causes no end of horrible aftershocks that snowball rapidly.
The worst part of Dear Evan Hansen is that it gaslights us into believing that Evan isn’t to be held accountable for his foolish actions because they were rooted in a need to be loved. It’s a messy, uneasy story that tends to treat mental illness with a flippancy that is reductive and has a resolution that comes way too easy.
Music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul is mainly soul searching fare. It meanders and leans on clunky metaphors, but goodness, can the cast sing. Standouts include Jacqueline Lee as sardonic Zoe, Aliya Webb as self-interested Alana, Neil Northrop as snarky Jared, and Howe, who leaves an aching impression as Connor. This is a character that demands more from those supposedly closest to him and then infuriatingly gets left behind for a story that lacks consequences.
My issues with the book by Steven Levenson and the overall story aside, this is a marvelous cast. Bromley directs them with fluidity and a nuanced perspective. The set by Eddy Hansen is sharp and clean. The projections by Nick Lovato are appropriate for the size of the space, never overwhelming the human aspects of the show. Jessica Johnson continues to excel in the sound design department, and the costuming by Donnie Frank is realistic and contemporary.
But is this a story of hope? Does anyone actually learn anything, or is all forgiven carelessly?
One may perhaps consider attending a performance and deciding for themself.
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ runs through Oct. 11 in the Codding Theater at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. Fri–Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $20–$54. 707.588.3400. spreckelsonline.com.
