Shine! Theatre offers local premiere of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ at Warnors Center
By Donald Munro
‘Dear Evan Hansen” is the kind of show that Shine! Theatre artistic director tony sanders relishes: an ensemble cast, story-driven score, a socially aware theme, a chamber-musical feel. With this title, sanders (who doesn’t capitalize his name) gets to direct the local premiere of a show that took Broadway by storm. The show’s embrace of the internet as almost a character was groundbreaking.
I caught up with sanders via email to talk about the production, which opens Saturday, May 9, at the Warnors Center for the Performing Arts. It runs through May 17.
Q: What were you looking for when you cast the leading role in “Dear Evan Hansen”?
A: Authenticity and vulnerability. Actor Ben Platt originated the title role and is widely celebrated for his unique ability to perform heightened emotional moments while singing a difficult and demanding score. We are fortunate to have found this talent and skill set locally in our leading actor, Jason Bionda.
Q: One of the challenges of this production is to create the world of the internet on stage. How do you approach this?
A: Costume design by Damon Pardo and choreography by Ashley Wilkinson keep the production grounded in contemporary reality. To enhance the story with “theatre magic,” our show makes use of LED screens placed both behind and above the actors, provided and designed by Dan Aldape of WOW Productions. The screens transfer the images from the characters’ cell phones and laptops into a scale that audiences can appreciate. With this use of large, looming screens on the stage, the impact of an online world is a constant, overbearing presence and controlling element in the lives and decisions of the characters.
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Q: Another challenge is to keep Evan’s misrepresentations of himself online — which is the main plot — as feeling sympathetic, not creepy. Thoughts?
A: Evan doesn’t initially intend to become a widespread liar, but he gets caught up in the emotions of a grieving family who really want to believe in a story other than the truth. Consequently, Evan is always curating his persona online to influence others into accepting him as a kind, honest human being. He does not do this alone; he has the help of his friend Jared, played by Josiah Hopfer. Together they devise a plan to create a world where Evan is more of a hero and less of a confused, struggling teenager. Because people naturally want to hear about good things made out of a bad situation, the community is quick to accept Evan’s deception. It is only until the lie grows to substantial proportions do others catch on to the ruse.
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Q: What is it like working in the Warnors?
A: The Warnors Theatre is a beautiful space containing 98 years of Fresno history. It was built to accommodate vaudeville and circus shows, and its structure still reflects the cultural moment of that time, complete with an “Elephant Door” that accesses the alley and about a thousand dressing rooms downstairs. Audiences will be wowed by the grandeur of the lobby and the suspended ceiling inside the house. Entering the building alone is worth the price of admission.
Additionally, we are working with live accompaniment led by Music Director Dr. Cari Earnhart, Chair of the Fresno State School of Music, and featuring local musicians. Being able to include a band in the pit at the Warnors Theater has elevated this musical production exponentially.
Q: What do you want audiences to take away from “Dear Evan Hansen”?
A: Today’s pressures on young people can make their existence lonely. In this story, our youth is seen and validated. Some audiences have criticized the storyline for featuring such a flawed leading character, especially since Evan does not receive much of a punishment for his cruelty. But the show begins and ends with Evan’s relationship to his mother, and that journey from a disjointed family to reconciliation is worthy of praise. This show is for any parent or adult who might feel out of touch with kids today, and it’s definitely for all teenagers searching for real connection and community.
Steph
Hoo Boy. tony has taken on another really big project, which is amazing – he’s given so many opportunities to local artists over these many years.
But once again he’s experiencing the results of his one huge flaw – marketing and advertising his shows.
Dear Evan Hansen is a major title and the Warnor’s is a gigantic theatre. Dear Evan for SURE should be presented there and for sure should averaged 500+ seats sold per night!
I checked the tickets, they are more than reasonably priced, with discounts for students and seniors.
However, sadly, there are hundreds (and hundreds) of tickets yet unsold and it opens tomorrow!
I hope and wish word spreads quickly. tony sanders is a gift to the valley and to performers and his shows generally deserve to be seen and supported. But more than once have I run into people asking “hey did you see tony’s show?” And my response has often been “What?? I didn’t know that was playing! Ugh!”
Fingers crossed tickets start selling swiftly. Those artists deserve to be seen.