YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Millennial Theatre Company will present the Ohio premiere of the hit Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen.”
Performances will take place at the Youngstown Playhouse July 10-12 and 17-19. The production will feature a live orchestra.
The musical, written by Benj Pasak and Justin Paul, recently completed a successful Broadway run and several national tours.
MTC is among the first community theaters in the nation to produce the show.
“This is easily one of the best new musicals of the last decade,” said Joe Asente, director of the MTC production. “With a totally original story, beautiful music, amazing local performers and a full orchestra, audiences will be blown away by what they see onstage.”
The show tells the story of a 17-year-old high school student who has felt invisible his entire life.
When a tragedy shocks his community and thrusts him into the center of a rapidly evolving controversy, Evan is given the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to be somebody else.
As his web of well-intentioned lies begins to unravel, though, Evan is forced to confront the fact that the price of belonging may be far steeper than he bargained for.
A lesson of the story is that we are never alone.
“Despite the fact that we are more connected now than ever, it has never been easier to feel isolated and alone, especially as a young person,” Asante said. “Even if you have never been on social media in your life, this show has something for you. … Through its Tony Award-winning score, ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ shines a light on those who feel alone and proves that even in the darkest hours of someone’s life, there is always someone there to help.”
The cast includes Tom Millsap-Kijauskas, Brandy Johanntges, Natalina Kazimir, Ben Doss, Karina Moran, Kali Davies-Anderson, Andrew Baumeier, Brendan Boyle, Sam Early, Megan Keown, Emalee Chappa, Austin Barriger, Carly Delliquadri, Rebecca Williams, Jillian Hibbard, Lauryn Wierzba, Emma James, Trudi Herrholtz and Mackenzie Sambroak.
Performances will start at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and July 17-18; and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday and July 19.
Tickets are $27 and can be purchased in advance HERE.
Pictured at top: Tom Millsap-Kijauskas plays the title role in Millennial Theatre Company’s production of “Dear Evan Hansen.”