Dear Evan Hansen the musical is a moving exploration of connection, grief, and finding your voice in a hyper-connected world.
I walked into the Singapore gala premiere of Dear Evan Hansen knowing very little, apart from the two songs that had somehow made their way into pop culture playlists everywhere: “Waving Through A Window” and “You Will Be Found”. I didn’t know the story, the characters, or what to expect before watching the musical in Singapore, but by the end of the night, I could see why the musical was well-received by many and even bagged awards at the Olivier, Tony and Grammys. Here’s my honest review…
Dear Evan Hansen review: A story that hits closer to home than expected
Details at a glance
Show dates: 30 October to 16 November 2025, Tuesdays to Friday at 7.30pm; Saturdays at 1pm and 7.30pm; Sundays at 1pm and 6.30pm
Ticket price: $68 to $228 (excluding booking fee), book here
Venue: Sands Theatre, B1-69/70, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018971
Dear Evan Hansen follows a socially anxious teenager, Evan (played by Ellis Kirk), who longs to connect with others but often finds himself fading into the background. Without revealing too much, a misunderstanding spirals into something much bigger, setting off a chain of events that explores loneliness, honesty and what it really means to be seen.
As someone who has often felt unsure about where I fit in, I related to Evan’s hesitations to a certain degree. That familiar instinct to stay quiet rather than speak up, the constant fear of saying the wrong thing – it’s this quiet, awkward realism that makes Dear Evan Hansen relatable. While the musical doesn’t glamourise anxiety or loneliness, Evan’s character can at times feel like a mirror, reflecting what it really means to be human.
Portraying grief and loss through different lenses
What struck me most was how beautifully the musical handled the theme of grief. It doesn’t limit itself to one version of loss; it portrays how people react differently to the passing of a loved one. There’s the pain of parents grappling with guilt, the quiet confusion of a sibling, and even the awkward compassion of acquaintances trying to make sense of it all.
The result felt deeply human; no one was framed as entirely right or wrong, just like how grief and life can be messy, unpredictable and deeply personal. The musical captures that in a way that feels both raw and respectful.
Performances that linger
In the vocal department, the cast delivered across the board, but one performance that truly stayed with me was the role of Evan’s mother, Heidi Hansen (played by Rebecca McKinnis), during “So Big / So Small”. Her heartfelt rendition drew sniffles from the audience, grounding the story in a mother’s unwavering, if imperfect, love. Meanwhile, “Sincerely, Me” offered much-needed levity, showing that even amidst heavy emotions, there’s room for humour and awkward joy.
Hearing “Waving Through A Window” and “You Will Be Found” within the context of the story gave it an entirely new meaning. What once sounded like a catchy show tune now felt like quiet cries for help and hope.
Minimalist staging, maximum emotion
In comparison to other musicals I’ve been to, Dear Evan Hansen’s minimalist set design worked beautifully with the story, using glass panels and screens which cleverly reflect the online world that the characters live in. Whether simulating social media feeds or virtual calls, the visuals served as a modern reminder that the play was meant for a new-age audience and how we connect (and sometimes fail to) in the digital age.
Final thoughts
At times, the pacing of the musical can feel mellow, echoing the wistful tone of films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower. With that said, the gentleness is also what makes the musical work. It doesn’t try to dazzle you, but invites you to be present and feel your feelings.
If you’re like me and want to add meaning to the songs you thought you knew and dive into the story behind this well-received musical, it’s worth a watch. Be prepared to be reminded that connection, however fragile or fleeting, matters and that sometimes, being found starts with learning to see ourselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dear Evan Hansen about?
It’s a heartfelt musical that follows Evan, a socially anxious teen who wants to connect but often fades into the background. A misunderstanding sets off a series of events that explore grief, loneliness, and the universal longing to be seen.
Where can I catch Dear Evan Hansen in Singapore?
The show runs at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands (10 Bayfront Avenue).
When are the show dates and timings?
Catch it from 30 October to 16 November 2025.
Tuesdays to Fridays: 7.30pm
Saturdays: 1pm & 7.30pm
Sundays: 1pm & 6.30pm
How much are tickets?
Tickets start from $68 to $228 (excluding booking fees).
