‘Dear Evan Hansen’s theatrical run in Manila extended to September 28

A scene from “Dear Evan Hansen.” Image: Handout photo from GMG Productions

Five months before the staging of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s “Dear Evan Hansen,” it was announced that its theatrical run would now run until September 28 due to “overwhelming demand.”

The extension was announced in a press statement by theater production company GMG Productions. The original run of the hit musical was supposed to last until September 21, however, it was extended due to the demand for pre-sale tickets.

“Dear Evan Hansen,” which is based on the book by Steven Levenson, revolves around the titular Evan Hansen, a high school senior who suffers from severe social anxiety. In a desperate attempt to fit in, Evan pretends to be friends with Connor, a student who took his own life, in hopes of gaining social acceptance and to develop a closer relationship with the deceased student’s family.

However, his act of being a “hero” was ultimately discovered by his classmates and Connor’s family. While it has led to Evan tearfully confessing his fabrication, it was also discovered that he had been struggling with mental health problems of his own.

The award-winning musical is best known for the songs “You Will Be Found,” “Only Us,” “Waving Through a Window,” “Requiem,” and “For Forever,” to name a few.

In a previous statement, it was confirmed that the UK production will take charge of its Manila production, although it remains unknown if its director Adam Penford will also take charge of the staging in the country.

Perhaps the most well-known actor who starred as Evan Hansen was Ben Platt, who took on the character in its New York readings, first staging in Washington D.C., as well as the 2021 film adaptation.