Live Orchestra, Community Cast Bring “Dear Evan Hansen” to ISU Stage

Featuring a live orchestra and a cast of ISU students and community performers, Dear Evan Hansen explores themes of connection, belonging and the ways people long to be truly seen.

“Rehearsals have been so exciting and full of joy from the very start,” said director Jef Petersen. “I knew that the music and the story of Dear Evan Hansen were powerful, but I did not expect that during our first read-through of the musical that the cast would be bringing such heart and beauty to their performances.”

Music director Diana Livingston Friedley described the score as “Contemporary-pop music with Broadway ballads,” adding that “The band will have a rhythm section with strings for color.”

Audiences will also have several opportunities to experience the production before opening night. Cast members will perform selections from the show at the Portneuf Valley Farmer’s Market on Saturday, May 30, at 10 a.m. on the Lookout Stage. An open rehearsal will also be held during the First Friday Artwalk on June 5 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, where the public is welcome to observe actors as they prepare for the show.

A special “Preview to the Play” event will offer audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the artistic process behind the production. The free public event on Friday, June 5 at 12 p.m. in the Bistline Theatre, will feature members of the cast and creative team discussing the music, storytelling, design and collaboration that bring the show to life.

Following the opening-night performance on June 12, patrons are invited to attend an Afterglow reception where they can mingle with the cast, crew and artistic team and enjoy refreshments.

Petersen said he hopes audiences leave the production “remembering the importance of human connections.”

“It is not uncommon for many in society to feel like they are not seen, so I also hope that the audience takes from the production the importance of really seeing those around us, and also recognizing the ways that we are seen by others every day,” Petersen said. “None of us wants anyone to just disappear.”

Tickets are available through the ISU Stephens Performing Arts Center Box Office at isu.edu/tickets or by calling (208) 282-3595.

Content warning: Dear Evan Hansen contains discussions of mental illness, anxiety, suicide and self-harm. Viewer discretion is advised.

“Dear Evan Hansen” is presented at Idaho State University through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

For media inquiries, please contact Meg Holmes: (208) 282-6452.