PHILADELPHIA, PA — One of Broadway’s most talked-about musicals is set to take center stage in Old City, bringing a powerful story of connection, identity, and the impact of social media to local audiences.
Arden Theatre Company is closing out its 2025–26 season with Dear Evan Hansen, the Tony Award-winning musical that has resonated with audiences around the world. Beginning May 21, the production promises a visually striking and emotionally charged experience under the direction of Terrence J. Nolen.
Running through late June on the F. Otto Haas Stage, the show follows a high school senior navigating loneliness, truth, and unexpected relationships after a misunderstanding spirals into something far bigger than he ever imagined.
A Story That Speaks to Today
With music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and a book by Steven Levenson, Dear Evan Hansen explores how young people search for connection in a world shaped by constant digital interaction.
Director Terrence J. Nolen said the production leans into that modern reality, using projections and visual storytelling to reflect how quickly personal moments can expand in the age of social media.
“It speaks to the ways we try to be seen and understood, and how quickly things can spiral,” Nolen said.
That visual approach is co-conceived with scenic and projections designer Jorge Cousineau, whose work blends physical and digital spaces to mirror the online world that shapes the story.
A Cast Bringing the Story to Life
Leading the cast is Evan A. Kaushesh in the title role, joined by Blake Ehrlichman as Jared Kleinman and Asia DeShields as Alana Beck.
The production also features Krissy Fraelich as Heidi Hansen, Mary Fishburne as Cynthia Murphy, and Michael Halling as Larry Murphy, alongside Hailey Lara as Zoe Murphy and Julian Perez as Connor Murphy.
In addition to the onstage cast, a “virtual community” of performers will represent the online voices that shape the narrative, reinforcing the show’s central theme of digital connection and influence.
More Than a Night at the Theater
The Arden is also offering special events tied to the production, including a Teen Night with discounted tickets and a post-show talkback, as well as community discussions and accessible performances designed to make the experience welcoming to all audiences.
With songs like “Waving Through a Window” and “You Will Be Found,” the musical has become known for sparking conversations about mental health, belonging, and the challenges facing young people today.
Event Details
- What: Dear Evan Hansen at Arden Theatre Company
- When: Performances begin May 21, 2026; opening May 27; runs through June 28, 2026
- Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
- Cost/Tickets: Tickets start at $35
- More Info: https://purchase.ardentheatre.org/EventAvailability?WebEventId=dearevanhansen
As the Arden wraps up its season, Dear Evan Hansen offers Philadelphia audiences a chance to experience a deeply human story—one that blends music, technology, and emotion into a production that feels both timely and timeless.
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