The Scranton Cultural Center welcomes the national touring production of the Tony Award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen” from April 4 to 6. The poignant narrative follows a teenager, Evan, as he grapples with the complexities of connection and loss after a classmate tragically dies by suicide. Michael Perez, portraying Evan, reflects, “You can see why he kind of makes the turns that he does. At the end of the day, he is a 17-year-old kid.”
This musical, which enjoyed a successful Broadway run from 2016 to 2022, resonates with audiences through its exploration of youth and social media. Its character-driven story has captivated millions, with the anthem “You Will Be Found” amassing over 26.4 million views on YouTube. Despite its movie adaptation not aligning with its stage success, the live performances continue to deliver an impactful experience.
The show will have performances at various times: Friday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 5 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, April 6 at 1 p.m. During two-show days, Perez plays Evan and also fills in for Connor, showcasing his versatility. He brings a wealth of experience from regional theatre and screen credits, including roles in Netflix’s “Insatiable” and Amazon’s “Uncle Frank.”
Gabriel Vernon Nunag, who plays Evan’s confidant Jared, cherishes the show’s message about the necessity of connection. He emphasises, “Its message is just so powerful… it relates to a character who has a fear of not being wanted or liked, which resonates with many young people.” Nunag, who performs on his birthday, has auditioned for years and sees this opportunity as a dream come true.
Both Nunag and Perez are visiting Scranton for the first time and are excited about the experience, especially Perez, a fan of “The Office.” Although the role of Evan is demanding, with the lead typically played by Michael Fabisch, who has his own sweet backstory, the cast is ready to tackle this emotionally charged narrative.
The show is suggested for audiences aged 12 and above due to its mature themes. Tickets are available starting from $50 and can be purchased online or at the venue’s box office.
If you plan to attend, check the details below for dates and ticket information, and remember, certain bag policies are in place for security.
What: National touring production of “Dear Evan Hansen”
When: April 4 at 7:30 p.m., April 5 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., April 6 at 1 p.m.
Where: Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton
Tickets: Start at $50, available online, by phone or at the box office.
Details: Recommended for ages 12+, contains adult themes. Bag policy applies.
“Dear Evan Hansen” is coming to the Scranton Cultural Center from April 4 to 6, sharing a touching story about a teenager’s search for connection in the wake of tragedy. With performances by Michael Perez and Gabriel Vernon Nunag, the musical highlights important themes and has won accolades including the Tony Award for Best Musical. Due to its adult themes, it is recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets start at $50 and are available online.
In summary, the upcoming performances of “Dear Evan Hansen” at the Scranton Cultural Center promise to deliver an emotional and captivating experience. With a talented cast including Michael Perez and Gabriel Vernon Nunag, the production explores critical themes of connection and youth in a powerful manner. As it makes its way through Scranton, audiences can look forward to a heartfelt narrative, engaging performances, and a lively theatre atmosphere.
Original Source: www.thetimes-tribune.com
