2 days ago
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Published March 28, 2025 2:16pm
"Dear Evan Hansen," the award-winning musical that has enchanted theater fans the world over, is heading to Manila this September!
Presented by GMG Productions, the show will take over the Theater at Solaire in Parañaque City, showcasing the UK touring production co-produced by Nottingham Playhouse and the Ambassador Theatre Group.
This highly anticipated run follows a successful tour that began last September, bringing the emotional powerhouse of a show to new audiences across the globe.
At the heart of this moving musical is Evan Hansen, a high school student struggling with anxiety and a desperate need to belong. His life takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself caught in a tragedy he never asked for, inventing a role for himself in the midst of it.
As the situation spirals out of control, Evan faces a heart-wrenching choice: should he reveal the truth and lose everything, or hold on to a lie that brings him closer to the life he’s always dreamed of?
The musical explores universal themes of truth, identity, and the struggle for connection in a world that often feels isolating.
With a captivating score by the EGOT-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and a powerful book by Steven Levenson, "Dear Evan Hansen" became a smash hit on Broadway, earning six prestigious Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book of a Musical.
"Dear Evan Hansen" also bagged a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. Its run in the West End, on the other hand, won three Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical.
Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions, shared his excitement about bringing the show to Filipino audiences.
“Dear Evan Hansen has touched so many hearts around the world, and we’re thrilled to finally bring it to Manila. The story, music, and message will resonate deeply with Filipino audiences,” he said.
Adam Penford, director of the UK touring production, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the show’s power to connect with people across borders.
"Evan’s journey is both moving and relatable. This new international tour gives us the opportunity to reintroduce the show to audiences in fresh ways, bringing its themes of self-acceptance and connection to a global stage,” Penford said.
Tickets for "Dear Evan Hansen" in Manila will go on sale from April 15 via TicketWorld, with a special pre-sale for UnionBank of the Philippines customers and those on GMG Productions’ waitlist.
In 2024, a Singapore based production of Dear Evan Hansen featured Filipino theater talent Gian Magdangal as Larry Murphy, while Filipino musician Angelo Martinez took on the lead role of Evan Hansen, bringing a unique touch to the performance.
—Sherylin Untalan/CDC, GMA Integrated News
