It is very difficult today to make musicals stand out above the rest, especially when so many are being overshadowed by smash-hits like Hamilton. Dear Evan Hansen, however, is a extremely unique and heartwarming show that should not be forgotten or overlooked in the sea of Broadway plays and musicals.

The plot of Dear Evan Hansen is a complicated one to explain. The general premise is Evan Hansen, a senior in high school, feels like a complete outsider. However, after an event makes him feel like somebody needs him, he finally begins to be recognized for his actions. That is the most that can be explained because anything beyond the first 15 minutes should not be known. The story constantly looks like it is going to go in one direction before immediately hitting the audience hard with gripping and emotional scene. It tackles some heavy themes about family, depression, social media, and the morality of Evan. It has incredibly serious tone with only a small amount of humor to lighten the mood.

The performances by the small, 8 person cast is great. The clear standout, however, is Ben Platt (known from Pitch Perfect) as Evan. He perfectly captures this anxious, socially-awkward teenager, not only with his acting, but also with the ways he sings. He adds slight nuances to his voice while singing that conveys his character’s thoughts perfectly. The soundtrack for the musical by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul is also tremendous with standouts being Waving Through a Window and You Will Be Found, both of which are guaranteed to give goosebumps with the visuals on the set.