When a musical arrives bearing the credentials of being both a Broadway and West End phenomenon, expectations naturally soar. Dear Evan Hansen, with a book by Steven Levenson and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, has earned its place in the pantheon of modern theatre through accolades including the Tony® Award for Best Musical, the Olivier® Award for Best New Musical, and the Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. Its Singapore premiere at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, from 30 October 2025, presented by Base Entertainment Asia, promised an unforgettable experience and it largely delivers. The story, which explores the universal human desire to be seen and accepted, resonates deeply in a world increasingly dominated by digital interaction and social expectations.
The musical introduces audiences to Evan Hansen, a socially anxious high school student yearning to fit in. In his pursuit of acceptance, Evan becomes entangled in a lie that quickly spirals beyond his control. What follows is a journey of reckoning, as Evan confronts the truth about himself, his relationships, and the consequences of his choices. This narrative, anchored by a score that has become iconic in contemporary musical theatre, includes unforgettable songs such as “Waving Through a Window”, “You Will Be Found”, and “For Forever”. These songs transcend the stage, acting as cultural touchstones for a generation grappling with identity, connection, and belonging. The Singapore production, drawing from the UK touring version, maintains the show’s emotional intensity and dramatic arc, while ensuring it feels fresh and immediate for local audiences.
Ellis Kirk reprises the role of Evan Hansen for the Singapore season, bringing both vulnerability and emotional depth to the character. His performance captures Evan’s awkwardness and yearning for connection with remarkable nuance, while his vocal delivery is crisp and expressive, perfectly suited to the contemporary pop-infused score. Rebecca McKinnis, returning as Evan’s mother Heidi Hansen, offers warmth and complexity, portraying a parent caught between love, grief, and the occasional blind spot. Zoë Athena’s portrayal of Zoe Murphy is equally compelling, radiating quiet strength while conveying the fragility of a young woman navigating grief and expectations. The ensemble, including Helen Anker and Hal Fowler as Cynthia and Larry Murphy, delivers performances full of authenticity, portraying parental grief and hope with a delicate balance that complements the central story. Supporting roles, from Connor and Jared to Alana Beck, enrich the tapestry of teenage life, highlighting the pressures and social dynamics that shape the narrative. Collectively, the international cast demonstrates remarkable cohesion, bringing sincerity and emotional resonance to every scene.
The production design at Sands Theatre is visually striking, combining intimate stage work with modern technology, including projections and social-media-inspired visuals. The lighting and set design effectively convey the oscillation between Evan’s inner world and the external pressures he faces, while the integration of screens and digital elements reinforces the show’s commentary on social media and perception. The use of technology enhances rather than overwhelms the performances, creating a modern aesthetic that feels both relevant and immersive. Musically, the production shines, with a mix of soaring ballads and contemporary pop melodies performed with clarity and energy. The theatre itself provides an ideal environment, offering excellent sightlines, acoustics, and a polished venue experience that supports the production’s ambitious staging.
What sets Dear Evan Hansen apart is its exploration of deeply human themes. At its core, the musical is a meditation on the need for connection, the courage to confront truth, and the ways in which lies, however well-intentioned, can complicate our lives. It addresses contemporary issues such as mental health, social media pressures, and the search for self-worth, all while maintaining accessibility and emotional resonance. In Singapore, where young people often navigate academic pressures alongside social expectations and online personas, the story feels particularly poignant. The musical does not shy away from difficult emotions; instead, it invites audiences to empathize with its characters, to feel the weight of their isolation, and ultimately to celebrate the transformative power of human connection.
Dear Evan Hansen is a production that stays with you long after the curtain falls. From the opening number, “Waving Through a Window”, to the climactic “You Will Be Found”, the show balances the exhilaration of musical theatre with the introspection of a deeply personal story. While the occasional reliance on digital projections may at times draw attention away from the performers, and certain scenes in the second act linger a touch longer than necessary, these minor points do little to detract from the overall impact of the production. The musical succeeds in creating moments of catharsis, empathy, and hope, reminding audiences that even in a world of complexity and misunderstanding, we can find connection and understanding.
The Singapore premiere of Dear Evan Hansen is a triumph of storytelling, performance, and production. The musical’s powerful narrative, heartfelt performances, and resonant score combine to deliver an experience that is both moving and unforgettable. It is a show that speaks to individuals and a generation alike, offering a message of hope, understanding, and the enduring importance of being seen. For theatre-goers in Singapore, attending this production is not merely a night of entertainment, it is an opportunity to be part of a story that reminds us all: you will be found.
Ticketing Information
Performance Season
From 30 October to 16 November 2025
Performance Venue
Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands
Performance Schedule (Singapore Time)
Tuesdays to Fridays; 7.30pm
Saturdays; 2.00pm and 7.30pm
Sundays; 1.00pm and 6.30pm
Post-performance In Conversation Schedule
Wednesdays (Evening); 5 and 12 November
Saturdays (Matinee); 1, 8 and 15 November
Sundays (Evening); 2 and 9 November
Performance Duration
2 hours 45 minutes including intermission
Performance Ticket Booking Links
Marina Bay Sands: https://www.marinabaysands.com/entertainment/shows/dear-evanhansen.html
SISTIC: https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/hansen1125
Klook: https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/150882-dear-evan-hansen-at-the-sands-theatre/
