EXCLUSIVE: Ellis Kirk, Sonny Monaghan, & Rhys Hopkins Talk DEAR EVAN HANSEN

Singapore--"Dear Evan Hansen" UK and international tour stars Ellis Kirk (Evan), Sonny Monaghan (Alternate Evan), and Rhys Hopkins (Connor Murphy) recently sat down with BroadwayWorld for a chat about their roles and their take on why the musical has resonated with so many audiences across the world. 

Monaghan, who plays the title role during matinees, highlighted the anticipation from international fans: "The show, the importance of the story to many people, bringing it to a new part of the world, these people have loved the show for a decade, and have listened to the cast recording or soundtrack for a decade, or have seen clips of the show. So finally, these people can now see it in person." 

“Dear Evan Hansen,” which premiered on Broadway in 2016 and features the book by Steven Levenson, explores themes that resonate with youth today: mental health, connection, and self-acceptance, especially in the digital age, through the story of Evan, an anxious high school outcast. 

The musical won the Tony Award for Best Musical, the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, among other accolades. 

“Beyond its music and performances, ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ endures because of the conversations it ignites. The musical doesn’t shy away from complex topics; instead, it confronts them with a rare mix of honesty and compassion,” wrote BroadwayWorld in a recent review. 

“What sets it apart is not just its artistry, but its intimacy. The show draws audiences into themes of loneliness, truth, and belonging that feel universal and urgent,” it added. 

Adam Penford directs the UK and international touring company. Morgan Large is set and Costume Designer; Carrie-Anne Ingrouille is choreographer; Matt Daw is lighting designer; Tom Marshall is sound designer; Ravi Deepres is video designer; Matt Smith is musical supervisor; MICHAEL BRADLEY is musical director; Michelle Payne is associate director; and Laura Llewellyn-Jones is orchestral manager. 

In Singapore, “Dear Evan Hansen” is presented by Base Entertainment Asia, in association with ATG Productions. Its lead producers are ATG Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, and Nottingham Playhouse. 

Videos: Oliver Oliveros, Base Entertainment Asia 

Interview with Ellis Kirk

Interview with Sonny Monaghan