BREAKING THE LIES THAT BIND

Broadway’s biggest feelings land in the desert

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Dear Evan Hansen, the six-time Tony Award–winning musical with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul and book by Steven Levenson, made its regional premiere at CV Rep last night with all the emotional weight and complexity that have made it a cultural phenomenon.

At the heart of Dear Evan Hansen is its exploration of isolation, belonging, and the dangerous consequences of deception. The story begins with a letter Evan writes to himself as a therapy assignment — a letter mistakenly believed to be communication between him and Connor Murphy after Connor’s suicide. Overwhelmed by his own loneliness and the unexpected attention he receives from the Murphy family, Evan perpetuates the lie, and it spirals into something far larger than he could have imagined.

This central lie — and the consequences of Evan’s choice to keep it going — drives the emotional core of the story. CV Rep’s production captures this moral complexity with sensitivity, while still delivering the musical’s heart-wrenching moments. It’s a delicate balance that CV Rep’s Executive Artistic Director Adam Karsten strikes with precision. ensuring the emotional beats never feel forced or contrived while allowing performances to breathe and remain grounded in reality.

The cast delivers strong and emotionally resonant performances across the board. Gianna Branca as Zoe Murphy, Connor’s guarded sister and Evan’s tentative love interest, brings a mix of strength and vulnerability, particularly in her powerful vocals during “Requiem” and “Only Us.” Erin Stoddard as Cynthia Murphy, Connor and Zoe’s mother, effectively conveys the deep grief of a parent in mourning, especially in the heartfelt “So Big/So Small.” Eric Kunze as Larry Murphy, the family’s emotionally buttoned-up father, balances stoicism with the pain of a fractured home. Christia Mantzke as Heidi Hansen, Evan’s overworked single mother, portrays a woman caught between love for her son and the struggles of her own life — her heart-wrenching version of “So Big/So Small” highlights her vulnerability and deep maternal bond. Isaac Kuber as Connor Murphy, the troubled teen whose suicide sets the story in motion, conveys the rage and confusion that haunt the narrative.

Mikey Hassel as Jared Kleinman, Evan’s sarcastic classmate and reluctant “family friend,” offers sharp wit and well-timed comic relief — especially in “Sincerely, Me” — while still maintaining emotional dimension. Lucy Hall as Alana Beck, an overachieving classmate desperate to matter, shows both confidence and insecurity, particularly in “Good for You.” Joseph Portoles and Sophia Roth contribute well in ensemble roles.

And at the center of it all is Pierce Wheeler as Evan Hansen, delivering a performance marked by raw vulnerability and emotional depth. His ability to convey Evan’s insecurities and internal struggles, along with his discomfort and longing, speaks to a maturity far beyond his years. In moments like “Words Fail,” where Evan unravels, Wheeler’s emotional honesty lands with stunning impact. It’s rare for an actor so young to be so emotionally available — this performance reveals an artist with an incredibly bright future ahead.

Of course, Dear Evan Hansen wouldn’t be itself without its unforgettable score. Pasek and Paul’s music cuts right to the heart, and this production — led by musical director Stephen Hulsey — does justice to their stunning melodies. Songs like “Waving Through a Window” and “You Will Be Found” are as stirring as ever, with the cast handling the demanding vocals with precision. At first, I thought the production was using tracks — but the program at intermission revealed an impeccable live orchestra conducted by Hulsey. The musicianship is top-notch and adds yet another layer of emotional impact.

This regional premiere of Dear Evan Hansen at CV Rep is one that stays with you. It doesn’t shy away from the difficult emotions of adolescence — loneliness, self-doubt, and the sometimes painful longing for connection. Thanks to its standout lead and cohesive ensemble, it offers a fresh perspective on a beloved musical — one you won’t soon forget.

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photos by Lani Garfield

Dear Evan Hansen
Coachella Valley Repertory
68510 East Palm Canyon Dr in Cathedral City
Wed & Sat at 2 & 7; Thurs & Fri at 7; Sun at 2
2 hours 30 minutes, one intermission
ends on December 21, 2025
for tickets ($60-$110), call 760.296.2966 x115 or visit CV Rep

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