Local Stage: La Mirada Theatre Stages 'Dear Evan Hansen' Through November 22
A 12-person cast and a young tenor lead drive a production that critics describe as a high-caliber local performance, with tickets ranging from $15.95 to $132.
By Emily Lawson ·
Audiences in the La Mirada area can now see the musical "Dear Evan Hansen" on stage, with performances running through November 22. The production takes place at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, located at 14900 La Mirada Blvd. Showtimes vary by day, with evening performances on Thursdays and Fridays, and matinee and evening slots on weekends.
Tyler Donovan McCall, a young actor from New York, holds the title role in this production. The reviewer for the Orange County Register describes the casting as a major asset, noting that McCall brings a specific physicality to the character of Evan. McCall is characterized as thin and lanky with an angular face. The reviewer observed that these traits help sell the adolescent awkwardness required by the role, suggesting that the actor's appearance aligns naturally with the character's social challenges.
The musical requires a tenor with a powerful voice to handle a demanding multi-octave range. McCall meets this requirement, delivering the songs with clarity and assurance. The reviewer specifically praised his performances in the numbers "Waving Through a Window," "For Forever," and "Words Fail." The latter is described as particularly gripping near the end of the show. McCall's vocal delivery supports the lyrics written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
The 12-person cast provides strong vocal support for the musical's arrangements. The first act concludes with the song "You Will Be Found," a six-minute number that serves as a rallying comfort for many listeners. In this production, the crescendo is amplified by excellent harmonies from the ensemble. Supporting actors contribute distinct personalities, including Nic Hermick as Connor, Analisa Idalia as Alana, and Gabriel Vernon Nunag as Jared. Josh Adamson and Jill Van Velzer portray the parents, Larry and Cynthia, respectively.
The production design updates the original Broadway presentation for the local stage. The original show used electronic displays to show rapid-fire internet page view counts. At La Mirada, Projection Designer David Murakami uses a large LED backing screen to display key words from Evan's journal in oversize block type. These words blur in and out among online comments and Instagram feed images. The visual design also includes abstract geometric patterns that change colors and shapes, mirroring the themes of loneliness and anxiety in the story.
Director and choreographer Stephen C. Anthony oversees the staging, which the reviewer says matches the visual achievement of the projections. This production is the latest in a series of high-quality musicals presented by La Mirada Theatre in recent seasons. Previous productions included "Fiddler on the Roof," "Legally Blonde," and "Sweeney Todd." The theater continues to produce local versions of well-known works at a consistent level of execution.
The story of "Dear Evan Hansen" follows a 17-year-old high school outsider named Evan. He is a single mother's son who struggles with anxiety and social interactions. The plot centers on a misunderstanding that leads Evan to become involved in a family's grief after a sudden death. His actions, driven by a desire to help, create a social media response that affects all the characters. The musical is now in its eleventh year since its initial release.
Tickets for the run are priced between $15.95 and $132. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and 8 p.m. on Fridays. Saturdays feature showings at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sundays offer performances at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The theater can be reached by phone at 714-994-6310 or 562-944-9801 for more information.
Source: Orange County Register
