COLDWATER, MI — Tibbits Opera House’s second musical of the summer, “Dear Evan Hansen,” continues to hit the stage June 24-27.
Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, “Dear Evan Hansen” is a celebration of hope, healing, and the power of community.
J Perry, as Evan Hansen, explains that the story follows Evan Hansen, a 17-year-old entering his senior year who is deeply isolated.
The story highlights how social media shapes our sense of connection, prompting a question about what real relationships can look like when we step away from screens and engage with others face-to-face.
Perry has been performing in the theater since fourth grade. But this is the first professional role for a student at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music.
Local talent Stephanie Hemker Burdick, who plays his mother, said Perry and the rest of the cast do a wonderful job under the direction of Meriah Sage and the choreography of Carina Milano.
Burdick plays Evans’ single mom, dealing with the stressors of being a single mom, working full-time, going to school, and her relationship with her son.
Burdick said, “And trying to connect with him when she’s kind of absent for a lot of what’s happening in his life.”
Burdick returns to the stage after three years away. Starting in the audience at age three, she has been a part of Tibbits for 40 years.
The show is appropriate for older teens. “Dear Evan Hansen” is rated PG-13 primarily for thematic material involving teen suicide, depression, and lying, alongside brief strong language, suggestive references, and drug/alcohol use.
Because the show addresses issues and feelings prevalent in communities today, Pines Behavioral Health will be available after each performance to discuss its services.
Pines Behavioral Health will host a free forum on the impacts of social media on mental health on Wednesday, July 24, at 5 pm at Tibbits Opera House.
All performances are held at the historic Tibbits Opera House at 14 S. Hanchett Street, in Coldwater.
Sponsored by Parrish Construction, tickets and information are available at Tibbits.org or by calling 517-278-6029.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: ‘Dear Evan Hansen,’ a musical on a serious topic, running at Tibbits
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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By Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter | USA TODAY Network
