What happens when your Letter to Self falls into the wrong hands? Things start to go awry – on multiple levels.
A Musical Springboard for Mental Health Issues
“Dear Evan Hansen”, is a 2016 Broadway musical with striking song lyrics and music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, also composers of “The Greatest Showman”, on youth mental issues and suicide themes in the digital age by playwright Steven Levenson.
There was also the musical film adaptation in 2021. Winner of 6 Tony Awards, the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and a Grammy® Award, the musical successfully toured across the United Kingdom.
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The story follows Evan Hansen (Ellis Kirk from the West End production), a senior high school student with severe social anxiety, who becomes entangled in a web of deceit and popularity after a classmate, Connor Murphy, tragically dies by suicide.
When a letter Evan wrote for his therapist falls into Connor’s hands, a misunderstanding leads Connor’s family to believe that Evan was their son’s close friend.
To avoid causing further pain and comfort the grieving Murphys, Evan fabricates a friendship with Connor, creating a false narrative that spirals out of control. While the lie not only brings him closer to his crush, Zoe Murphy but also leads to the creation of “The Connor Project,” a viral movement for inclusion and support, it leads to Evan gradually losing sight of the truth.
The consequences of his deception unfold, leading to a poignant exploration of mental health, relationships with friends and his mother, Heidi Hansen (Rebecca McKinnis from the original London cast) and the impact of storytelling.
Dear Evan Hansen at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands
This touring production of Dear Evan Hansen is presented in Singapore by Base Entertainment Asia in association with ATG Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions and Nottingham Playhouse, by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
The success of this musical rests on the likeable appeal and strong vocal performances of a talented international cast (in addition to compelling delivery by the above leads, Rhys Hopkins as Connor Murphy, Zoë Athena as Zoe Murphy, Helen Anker as Cynthia Murphy, Hal Fowler as Larry Murphy, and Evan’s two friends – Jared Kleinman and Alana Beck, played by Tom Dickerson and Olivia-Faith Kamau respectively), the musical numbers, its seamless pacing despite the difficult subject matter and the story’s emotional thrust.
The audience mostly journeys with Evan in his dilemma and the narrative is structured along a series of events unfolding in an under-three-hour-long performance.
Coming-of-Age Musical that Delves into the Complexities of Social Anxiety, Depression, Grief and the Pressures of Society
The musical captures the essence of loneliness in a hyperconnected world, where individuals can feel isolated despite the digital connections around them, exploring the complexities of human relationships, mental health and communication when Words Fail.
The set designs, including projection screens and evocative sounds of texting, laptops, smartphones and social media, reinforce the character’s experiences and feeling of being overwhelmed.
Through Evan’s navigating the challenges of growing up, the audience is reminded that no one deserves to be forgotten and that reaching out for help is crucial.
The feelings of isolation, vulnerabilities, fears and the desire for human connection, and visibility as value that people matter are conveyed in stirring songs such as Waving Through a Window “When you’re falling in a forest and there’s nobody around, Do you ever really crash or even make a sound?” and Disappear where “No one deserves to be forgotten, no one deserves to fade away”.
Through the inspirational anthem, You Will Be Found, the musical reminds the audience that behind closed doors, many are silently battling their own demons, and a simple act of empathy and compassion by reaching out can make a world of difference in someone’s life in times of emotional distress, and also that one is never truly alone.
The need for understanding and the impact of loneliness in the face of overwhelming pressures of a hyperconnected society highlight the themes of social anxiety, grief and the power of connection, which resonate deeply with the audience to reflect on their own experiences and the importance of supporting those struggling with mental health and grief issues.
Storytelling that Goes Out of Hand and Repercussions of Social Media
Evan’s lie that initially offers solace and connection sets off a chain reaction that spirals out of control when amplified by the power and reach of social media. As the false narrative gains traction online, it not only distorts the truth but also deeply affects the grieving Murphy family and the wider community.
When the school and wider online communities become major characters in the musical and the pressure kicks in, the dynamics illuminate the moral dilemma and complications with it, building tension emerging from the dangers of misinformation and the rapid spread of false narratives in today’s digitally connected world.
It underscores the vulnerability of individuals to manipulation, the erosion of trust, and the emotional distress caused by the dissemination of inaccurate information, and its devastation on affected and grieving families.
The musical also serves as a cautionary tale on the critical importance of truth and honesty, ethical responsibilities that come with communication and the profound repercussions of spreading untruths in a society driven by social media amplification and taking on its own viral movement.
It makes the point about integrity in our interactions, both online and offline, and the devastating effects when false information is perpetuated.
In addition to losing a loved one to depression, the damaging impact of blaming the family for suicide is very real (along with possibly the lack of a good support system at school).
Those with a predisposition to suicide do not necessarily come from dysfunctional families.
Human nature has the propensity to attribute depression to a single cause such as familial dysfunction and response becomes a symptom of such a verdict. The musical warns against the tendency is to assign blame in the wake of tragedy, the destructive impact of the blame game to exacerbate existing tensions, deepen emotional wounds, and hinder the process of healing.
Family Relationships and Ethical Storytelling
The relationship between Evan and his hardworking single mother, Heidi, is emotionally charged with challenges and uncertainties, as she juggles between the demands of work and supporting her son through his studies and social anxiety.
Their relationship is interspersed with touching moments of shared vulnerability, misunderstandings and strength found in connection.
One poignant juncture of the musical that had the audience in sniffles was when Evan’s mother, Heidi sang a moving song So Big / So Small, to comfort him, reflecting on the day since his father left, assuring him that she “isn’t going anywhere”.
For both Heidi and the Murphys, there are challenges to supporting their youth’s mental and emotional wellbeing and to provide loving, timely support when it matters most. A rock-influenced song, Good for You explores the perspectives of the mothers, Cynthia and Heidi.
How do people process tragedy? The Murphys’ rendition of Requiem tackle complexities behind making sense of a family member’s death and the struggles of processing grief. It is human nature to desire for some narrative to plot events neatly before one has time to process an intense event such as suicide.
It this case, what started as a need to make sense of the tragedy becomes a mental block to authentic processing in order to continue with life when a falsehood becomes therapy.
To some extent, the musical reflects the delicate balance between storytelling and therapy, raising questions about when a story as a coping mechanism hinders genuine grief therapy and emotional processing. Thus, the importance of authenticity and ethical storytelling practices for healing to take place.
The musical explores the impact of mental health struggles, the consequences of deception, and the power of empathy and connection in times of emotional turmoil.
For a musical that tackles such an intense subject matter, the pacing worked. As such, the musical does not offer a “happily ever after” as coming to terms with the tragedy and owned consequences of one’s actions is a part of life.
The form and structure of musical theatre in itself may not lend itself to depth of engagement with issues but conveys the emotive power of their impact.
The narrative of mental health issues is not necessarily resolved by self-knowledge so changes in character do not to justify Evan’s actions but allow conversations to continue.
As such, it is effective as a springboard for dialogues about mental health issues. One leaves the theatre not in low spirits but reflective and thoughtful.
Dear Evan Hansen at Marina Bay Sands
“Dear Evan Hansen” runs daily (except Mondays) at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, until 16 November 2025.
As themes tackle suicide and mental issues, the published advisory is for audiences ages 16 years old and above.
The “Evan Hansen Effect” encapsulates the transformative power of the arts in fostering empathy, raising awareness, and promoting dialogue about mental health and emotional wellbeing in society.
Tickets for Dear Evan Hansen can be purchased here.
The Evan Hansen Effect
The Letter to Self treatment, where individuals write letters to themselves as a therapeutic exercise to process thoughts and emotions, is a commonly used technique in therapy and self-reflection.
The “Evan Hansen Effect” refers to the impact and influence that the musical has had on audiences, particularly in terms of raising awareness about mental health issues and personal struggles, extending beyond the stage, inspiring individuals to consider the ways in which they interact with others, the impact of their actions and words, and the significance of supporting those facing mental health challenges.
It has sparked a broader conversation about the complexities of mental health, the stigma surrounding mental and emotional wellbeing, and the need for open dialogue and understanding in addressing these issues, and seeking social support.
Post-Show Panel Discussions
To continue the Evan Hansen effect for conversations revolving around youth mental wellbeing, check out the free post-show Panel Discussions with Singapore arts and mental health website community organisations* from the official ticketing website.
2 Nov (Sun), 6.30 pm
Panel: Singapore Drama Educators Association
Influence with Integrity: Kindness in the Age of Clout
5 Nov (Wed), 7.30 pm
Panel: Singapore Drama Educators Association
Alone Together: Mental Health and Belonging in a Digital Age
8 Nov (Sat), 1 pm
Panel: Pangdemonium with Dear Evan Hansen team
Approaching the same story: Room for different versions
9 Nov (Sun), 6.30 pm
Panel: Limitless
Dear Evan, You’re Not the Only One: Conversations on Youth, Mental Health & Hope
12 Nov (Wed), 7.30 pm
Panel: Singapore Drama Educators Association
Clout vs. Character: What Are We Influencing?
15 Nov (Sat), 1 pm
Panel: grovve (Youth Integrated Wellness Centre)
#YouWillBeFound: Supporting Youth Mental Health in Our Families and Friendships
