With online harms dominating the headlines in Jersey, there is something particularly poignant about watching Dear Evan Hansen right now. A show that speaks to teenagers, parents and everyone in between, it feels timely in the hands of the Jersey Green Room Theatre Company.
It is also a production with a remarkable central performance. Reece Folan is brilliant as Evan, commanding the stage for almost the entirety of the two-and-a-half-hour show.
His mannerisms are utterly believable, capturing Evan’s awkwardness and vulnerability while navigating the more complicated aspects of his nature.
Just as convincing are his connections with the people around him.
There is real chemistry between Folan and his fellow cast members, making it all the more impressive that he had only two weeks of rehearsal with them.
Vocally, however, the standout is River Scott as Zoe Murphy.
Their voice is phenomenal: assured, expressive and more than capable of holding its own in the West End. Their rendition of ‘Requiem’ gave me genuine shivers.
Harley Drelaud and Jake Osborne also make the most of their smaller roles as Alana Beck and Connor Murphy.
Drelaud’s voice is so good that I found myself wishing we could hear more of it, while Osborne brings the blend of light and dark, sensitivity and humour that Connor needs.
As Jared Kleinman, Hugo Jones provides some much-needed comic relief. His American accent occasionally slips, which can be slightly distracting, but his energy and humour offers welcome breathing space amid the show’s heavier moments.
The parents are well played too, with Alice Veitch a particular standout as Heidi Hansen. Watching alongside my mum brought another aspect of the production into focus. She remarked on how refreshing it was to see the story reflected through so many different perspectives: parents, friends, siblings and classmates.
That breadth is part of what makes Dear Evan Hansen so affecting. Different audience members will recognise different things in it, and the conversations it prompts may be as varied as the people watching.
Nick Carver’s smart direction gives those perspectives room to register while making effective use of the Arts Centre’s small stage.
Clever lighting helps define the different areas, and Carver finds opportunities for humour that keep the production from becoming overwhelmed by its emotional weight.
The result is a powerful, polished and thoroughly professional show. Having seen a professional production of Dear Evan Hansen, I arrived with something to compare it with. This amateur company gives it a serious run for its money.
TICKETS…
Jersey Green Room Theatre Company’s Dear Evan Hansen continues at Jersey Arts Centre until Sunday 1 November.
Remaining performances are at 7.30pm from Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 October; 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday 31 October; and 2.30pm on Sunday 1 November.
Friday’s performance will be BSL interpreted by Andrew Higgins.
Tickets are available online or by calling the box office on 01534 700444.
