How Dear Evan Hansen Found Me When I Needed It Most

There are some shows you see for the spectacle, and then there are some that meet you right where you are, and change everything. For me, Dear Evan Hansen was the latter.

I saw the show during a really hard chapter in my life. I had just ended an engagement and was wrestling with what felt like a tidal wave of doubt, guilt, and grief. I felt alone. Like I had disappointed people. Like I wasn’t sure how to move forward. Then the lights dimmed, the first note played, and suddenly... I didn’t feel so alone anymore.

Ben Platt’s performance as Evan is something I struggle to describe without sounding cliché, because, truthfully, it’s not just acting or singing. It’s feeling. Every single word, note, and moment radiated a rawness that cracked something open in me.

But the moment that truly broke me? Mike Faist as Connor Murphy.

Before intermission even hit, I found myself sobbing, something I rarely do at shows or movies. Mike’s portrayal of Connor felt like an anchor thrown into the emotional chaos I was already navigating. His presence lingered throughout the show like a ghost, not just in Evan’s mind, but in mine too. That night, I walked away not only a little more healed, but also with a deep admiration for Faist’s brilliance (and yes, maybe a bit of a theater crush).

The entire cast was phenomenal. Michael Park as Larry Murphy was another standout, the emotion he carried during “You Will Be Found” still echoes in me to this day. That song, that moment… it’s not just about being seen. It’s about being saved.

After the show, I had the honor of meeting Michael Park at the stage door. And let me tell you, he was every bit as genuine and kind as he seemed on stage. He took the time to speak with me and my family, and I’ll never forget the look on his face as we shared how much his performance meant to us. That sincerity only made his role hit harder.

Dear Evan Hansen wasn’t just a musical for me, it was a turning point. A lifeline when I needed it. A reminder that even when you feel like you're falling apart, connection, art, and storytelling can help piece you back together. If you're ever in New York (or lucky enough to catch a tour stop), and you're carrying something heavy, consider this your sign to go see Dear Evan Hansen. You might just walk out a little lighter.