Can a musical truly capture the complexities of mental health and the human need for connection? Dear Evan Hansen has been doing just that for nearly a decade, and its impact shows no signs of fading. This powerful musical, penned by the award-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, delves into the life of Evan Hansen, a teenager grappling with social anxiety, insecurity, depression, and a strained relationship with his mother. But when a classmate's tragic death shakes the community, Evan's journey takes an unexpected turn. And this is the part most people miss: Dear Evan Hansen isn't just a story; it's a mirror reflecting the struggles and triumphs of a generation grappling with loneliness, mental health, and the allure and pitfalls of social media.
Currently gracing the stage at Marina Bay Sands’ Sands Theatre in Singapore until November 16th, this British production continues the musical's global reach. Since its Washington, D.C. debut in 2015 and subsequent Broadway triumph in 2016, Dear Evan Hansen has garnered seven Tony Awards, including Best Original Score, and a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album.
In a Zoom interview with The Straits Times, Pasek and Paul, now in their 40s, reflect on their 20s when they began writing the musical. “We never imagined the global reach it would eventually have,” they admit. Paul highlights the serendipity of the musical's rise coinciding with the explosive growth of social media, amplifying its themes of isolation and the desperate human yearning for connection.
But here's where it gets controversial: Pasek adds, “With social media becoming a dominating force in young people’s lives, there’s a real sense that they feel more isolated and more alone than they’ve ever felt.” This bold statement invites us to question: Is social media a bridge or a barrier to genuine human connection?
While the composers find it hard to choose a favorite song, they both hold Waving Through A Window close to their hearts. Pasek explains that this poignant song, a metaphor for feeling unseen and longing for acceptance, became the emotional compass for the entire score. “We basically threw out all the songs once we wrote it,” he reveals, emphasizing its pivotal role.
Inspired by a personal, painful high school experience of Pasek’s, the musical masterfully balances its portrayal of mental health struggles with a soundtrack that seamlessly blends pop, rock, and folk. And this is the part most people miss: The musical delivers a crucial message to young audiences: Your worst moment does not define you.
“We live in a moment where when someone makes a mistake, the world of the internet wants to eviscerate them,” Pasek observes. “We all are human and we are fallible. We do stupid things. We hope our show reflects that there’s always the possibility to do better and to become a better person, and that redemption is possible.”
Paul adds, “The most meaningful feedback we have received from audiences is the way our musical starts conversations between people.” The musical tackles topics that are often shrouded in silence, encouraging dialogue about experiences that can feel isolating. “We’ve had people writing to us, saying they saw themselves reflected on stage, and they are encouraged to talk to their parents, children, and friends,” Paul shares. “That, to us, is the greatest pinnacle of what we want to be able to do as songwriters.”
Pasek and Paul’s creative partnership began at the University of Michigan, where they collaborated on school productions. Post-graduation, they worked on musicals like A Christmas Story and James And The Giant Peach, and later teamed up with director Damien Chazelle and composer Justin Hurwitz to write the lyrics for La La Land (2016). The film, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, won six Oscars, including Best Original Song for City Of Stars.
The success of Dear Evan Hansen granted them greater creative freedom, leading to passion projects like The Greatest Showman (2017), for which they composed songs and wrote lyrics. Their work earned them a Best Original Song nomination for This Is Me at the 2018 Academy Awards and a second Grammy win in 2019.
In 2024, they joined the elite EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) group with an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics for Which Of The Pickwick Triplets Did It? from Only Murders In The Building. “We never intended to do things for awards. More than anything, it’s given us more freedom, not more pressure,” Paul reflects.
After over 20 years of collaboration, Pasek and Paul liken their partnership to a marriage, built on clear communication, mutual respect, and the ability to turn disagreements into strengths. “You learn how to work together, and the advantage of all these years is that we have a lot of shortcuts,” Paul explains. “We know how to be quick in a room together, like a well-rehearsed duet.”
Now, we want to hear from you: Do you think Dear Evan Hansen accurately portrays the challenges of mental health and social media’s impact on young people? How has the musical resonated with you or someone you know? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Dear Evan Hansen is showing at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, until November 16. Performances are at 7:30 pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 1 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and 6:30 pm on Sundays. Tickets range from $68 to $188 and are available via Marina Bay Sands’ website (str.sg/E8yT) or Sistic (call 6348-5555 or visit sistic.com.sg). Don’t miss this chance to experience a musical that continues to spark conversations and touch hearts worldwide.
