Evan Hansen tells one lie. It’s small, it’s kind, and it will cost him everything.
That’s the engine of Dear Evan Hansen, the six-time Tony winner landing at the Clayton Center’s Flex Theatre July 30 through August 2 — and Maryville’s Broadway Center for the Arts is one of the first community theater companies in the country to get the rights to stage it.
With a score that includes popular songs such as “Waving Through a Window,” “You Will Be Found,” “For Forever,” and “Words Fail,” the show explores Evan Hansen’s journey through anxiety and the ripple effects of a lie that unexpectedly brings him closer to others. It offers an honest examination of the mental health challenges so many people face today while promoting the need for empathy, understanding, and support.
The story revolves around 17-year-old Evan Hansen, a young man 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, however, Evan is forced to confront the fact that the price of belonging may be far steeper than he bargained for.
During its initial Broadway run, the show won raves from audiences and critics alike. It received six Tony Awards, including Best Musical; the Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical; two Obie Awards; a Drama Desk Award; two Outer Critics Circle Awards; and two Helen Hayes Awards.
“It’s an incredible piece of theatre and one of our personal favorites,” says Amanda Rader, producer and co-founder of BCA. “This year, we wanted to choose a piece that allowed our adult actors to step into the spotlight and bring something powerful to our community. Dear Evan Hansen features unforgettable and highly recognizable music, along with a powerful message that speaks across generations. We also loved the idea of being one of the first companies in our area to offer this show. Its themes challenge us, but they also remind us how transformative compassion can be—and that’s the kind of storytelling we’re committed to sharing.”
Maryville’s Broadway Center for the Arts has a reputation for developing innovative plays and productions. An award-winning theater company and performing arts organization, BCA makes it its mission to provide high-quality theatrical experiences, arts education, and performance opportunities for youth and adults. At the same time, it seeks to instill creativity, confidence, and a spirit of collaboration in its participants while enriching the cultural landscape of Blount County and beyond.
Artistic Director and Broadway Center for the Arts co-founder Dustin Rader is directing the production. An Emmy Award-winning producer and director with more than 30 years of experience and over 1,000 live events spanning theater, concerts, and broadcast media, he also serves as an adjunct instructor of theatre at Maryville College. There, he teaches Acting for the Camera, Scene Design, and Lighting Design. His directing credits include Les Misérables, The SpongeBob Musical, Almost, Maine, and The Addams Family. He has also received recognition from the Junior Theater Festival.
Musical Director Paul Jones brings decades of professional experience in composition, production, and sound design across film, television, and live performance. His work has appeared on A&E, Discovery, National Geographic, and Food Network, in addition to his work in theatrical scoring.
The BCA production features two alternating casts: Found and Forever.
The Forever Cast features Josiah Mustaleski, Laura Taliaferro, Madison Mounts, Chloe Ellis, Taten Grey, Kyler Anderson, Jackson Rader, and Donna Williams.
The Found Cast features Lucien Crane, Briana Creech, Millie Rochelle, Elizabeth Wheatley, Nash Trusty, Kyler Anderson, Jackson Rader, and Donna Williams.
Abram Harrell, Chloe Harrison, Bella Thompson, Julia Heaton, Juliana Harold, Sean Perry, Lila Painter, Kaylin Griffeth, and Carson Coker make up the ensemble featured with both casts.
The cast members share Rader’s enthusiasm.
“Being part of Dear Evan Hansen means so much to me,” says Kyler Anderson, who plays Jared in both casts. “After two years of studying musical theatre in Chicago, it has been such a blessing to come back to my hometown and work on this show with my home theatre company. This experience has helped me grow as a performer by allowing me to deepen my emotional connection to the material and collaborate with an amazing group of people.”
Briana Creech, who plays Heidi in the Found Cast, echoes those sentiments.
“As the mom of a 13-year-old and a 10-year-old, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to stay connected with your child as they grow more independent. Heidi is such a relatable character! I think many adults in the audience will see pieces of their own lives as she goes through the joy, heartbreak, and uncertainty of raising a son who suddenly seems distant.”
Chloe Ellis, who stars as Alana in the Forever Cast, concurs.
“The story we are telling is real for a lot of people. I think the underlying message is something anyone can relate to. In this day and age, it’s really easy to feel alone, especially with the increased use of social media, but Dear Evan Hansen shows us that we’re never really alone. I’m super excited to tell a story that I feel I can really relate to as a performer and that will resonate with audiences.”
Chloe Ellis, Alana in the Forever Cast
“The story we are telling is real for a lot of people. I think the underlying message is something anyone can relate to. In this day and age, it’s really easy to feel alone, especially with the increased use of social media, but Dear Evan Hansen shows us that we’re never really alone. I’m super excited to tell a story that I feel I can really relate to as a performer and that will resonate with audiences.”
“It has been such a joy to work with such a talented and passionate group of people,” says Madison Mounts, who plays Zoe in the Forever Cast. “The directors and cast members constantly push me to grow not only as a performer but also as a person.”
“Having Dustin as our director and Paul as our music director has been so much fun,” adds Elizabeth Wheatley, who plays Alana in the Found Cast. “Dustin has helped me make smart acting choices while also allowing me to make the character my own. Paul has helped me figure out some very tricky harmonies! I can’t wait to perform with everyone!”
Rader, in turn, offered his admiration for the cast and reflected on the significance of the show in a press release.
“Dear Evan Hansen is one of the most meaningful and emotionally resonant shows of our generation. The level of talent in both casts is extraordinary. These performers bring honesty, vulnerability, and heart to every rehearsal. It’s a privilege to guide them through a story that reminds us how deeply we all need connection.”
Limited general admission tickets cost $20 through midnight on July 28 and $25 beginning July 29. Tickets are on sale at claytonartscenter.com.
For additional information about the production or BCA, contact producer Amanda Rader at araderbca@gmail.com or 865-660-9014.
Note: Dear Evan Hansen is presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. Visit mtishows.com for additional information.
Dear Evan Hansen deals with sensitive subject matter, including suicide, drug use, and bullying. Strong adult language has been removed from this production with permission from MTI.
