Tony Broadway Musical of the Year Dear Evan Hansen, which opens a West End run this November, has been called “one of the most remarkable musicals in modern history” (The Washington Post). 

Critical acclaim aside, it has stimulated discussion around its themes of disconnection and youth suicide. It tells the story of a severely socially anxious young man, who finds himself at the centre of a lie disseminated with lightning speed on the Internet. In an inspired move, the creators of the musical worked with author, actor (of television’s 30 Rock fame), singer/ songwriter Val Emmich to adapt the work into a novel. 

The cast of Auckland’s National Youth Theatre Company perform four hit songs from the show, and Emmich discusses Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel, the transition from stage to page and the challenges of being young, with Petra Bagust.

 

Please Note: If you or someone else is affected by issues raised in this session the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, you can also call Youthline: 0800 376 633.

Supported by the US Embassy.