By AJ Jaffari

What happens when a lie meant to comfort spirals into something far more complicated? Dear Evan Hansen at CMT Marquee dives into the fragile intersection of loneliness, connection, and the deep human desire to be seen. With its contemporary score and emotionally charged story, the musical explores how one moment—one decision—can ripple outward in ways we never intended.

Centered on a socially anxious teenager navigating grief, identity, and belonging, the story unfolds with both tenderness and tension. CMT Marquee’s production leans into the show’s emotional core, inviting audiences to sit with its discomfort as much as its warmth, and reminding us just how complicated it can be to tell the truth when all we want is to feel understood.

With what is arguably one of the strongest scores in contemporary musical theatre, Dear Evan Hansen is a show that, despite its heavy themes, always draws me in. There’s an emotional depth to the material that feels both urgent and enduring, making it a story that continues to resonate. I was genuinely excited to return to CMT’s space with a production of such a powerful and meaningful piece.

The standout of this production for me was Alex Fish in the role of Evan Hansen, famously originated by Ben Platt. I happened to attend on a night when Fish was on, as the role is shared with Jack Gunter.

Fish’s interpretation felt refreshingly distinct from other versions I’ve seen—meek, shy, and deeply anxious, yet gradually more grounded by the end. Several of his line readings offered a new perspective on Evan, which I really appreciated. Vocally, he struck a strong balance, delivering powerful, belted moments when needed while also embracing the quieter, more intimate parts of the score with care.

Another standout was Sophia Constantino as Zoe, who impressed me with her exceptional vocal control and a portrayal that felt deeply relatable within such an emotionally heavy story. The chemistry between the two was natural and effective, grounding their relationship in something genuine.

Though the cast is relatively small, every performer made a strong impression. I especially appreciated the choice to forgo a traditional ensemble, which allowed the production to feel more intimate and focused on the core relationships at the heart of the story.

CMT’s production value is certainly something to remember. The scenic design by Kim Powers was both effective and inventive, thoughtfully adapting elements from the original Broadway staging to fit the Montgomery space. The result felt fresh while still honoring the spirit of the show. I also appreciated the precision of Spense Matubang’s lighting design, with sharp cues that helped drive the emotional beats of the story. And with the heavy use of projections and digital elements, video engineer Chai Kohen clearly had a complex task—one that paid off in a seamless and visually engaging experience. Together, these elements created a world that felt alive, almost like a character in its own right.

A final nod goes to director and choreographer Joey Dippel, who guided this talented cast and crew with care and clarity. The production moved with purpose, and several moments felt especially captivating. With such a thoughtful book and a memorable score already in place, this team elevated the material in all the right ways.

I hope I’ve convinced you to catch this show before it closes—you won’t want to miss it.

Dear Evan Hansen runs through April 18 and tickets are available here.