A South African premiere production of the Tony Award-winning show Dear Evan Hansen, featuring a South African cast, is coming to the Artscape next year.
Dear Evan Hansen is a drama musical that explores the human experience, focusing on themes of acceptance, mental health, and the longing for connection. It captures the highs and lows of adolescence and adulthood, as characters navigate the complexities of living in a digital world, where social media highlights both our isolation and deep need for human connection.
The production also addresses sensitive topics, including suicide. Due to the mature themes and strong language, this production is not recommended for children under 12. Parental guidance is advised.
The cast features a mix of new talent and established stars, ready to bring Evan Hansen's compelling story to life.
The coveted role of Evan Hansen will be played by Fleur du Cap Theatre Award winner Stuart Brown (We Will Rock You, MAMMA MIA!, Defending The Gay Man), a 2021 graduate of the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA), who joins the ranks of Ben Platt and Sam Tutty in filling Evan’s shoes.
“This show is an incredibly special story that speaks to so many of us about the impact of social media, mental health and what it means to truly belong,” said Mr Brown.
Heidi Hansen is played by actress, singer and voice artist Lucy Tops (The Rocky Horror Show, Kinky Boots, Funny Girl). National School Of The Arts alumnus Justin Swartz (West Side Story, Janice Honeyman’s Jack And The Beanstalk, The Afterlife Of The Party) features as Jared Kleinman alongside Ntshikeng Matooane (MAMMA MIA!) as Alana Beck.
Singer-songwriter Keely Crocker makes her professional debut as Zoe Murphy and Michael Stray (Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Dead At The Box Office, Abraham Lincoln) stars as Connor Murphy. Renowned television, film, and musical theatre stars Sharon Spiegel-Wagner (Hairspray, Grease, Witness For The Prosecution) and Charlie Bouguenon (Jersey Boys, Sweeney Todd, Fame) complete the Dear Evan Hansen cast as Cynthia Murphy and Larry Murphy.
Resident director Shelley Lothian (Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Boys In The Photograph, Cabaret) also serves as Female Swing 1, joined by Léa Blerk (The Sound Of Music, Amadeus, Janice Honeyman’s Beauty And The Beast) as Female Swing 2, Arno Meyer (Paw Patrol, Janice Honeyman’s Jack And The Beanstalk, Hartklop) as Male Swing 1 and Kent Jeycocke (We Will Rock You, Matilda The Musical, Evita) as Male Swing 2.
Winner of six Tony Awards (including Best Musical), the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, and an Olivier Award for Best Musical, Dear Evan Hansen features a book by Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson (Fosse/Verdon), and a score by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dogfight, La La Land, The Greatest Showman).
The musical's creative team includes Greg Karvellas as director; Charl-Johan Lingenfelder as musical supervisor; Niall Griffin as set, lighting and costume designer; Kurt Haupt as musical director; David Classen as sound designer; Louisa Talbot as choreographer, and Alistair Kilbee as technical director.
Mr Karvellas said: “I am beyond excited to bring this incredible musical to the South African stage and to be working with such a phenomenal South African cast, featuring some of the country’s finest new and established stage talent.
“Dear Evan Hansen is a deeply moving story that will undoubtedly strike a chord with audiences, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
The Artscape run is from Wednesday February 12 to to Sunday March 9, 2025.
Tickets cost from R200 to R 500 and are available at showtime.co.za, hownowbrowncow.co.za or ticketmaster.co.za
Terrific Tuesday discounts are available. A 20% school or block booking discount is offered on groups of 20 and more on selected shows for specific price categories. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information, contact sales@showtime.co.za