New Dear Evan Hansen

[Andie717]

Posted: 2/5/19 at 11:19am

Does anyone know which shows Andrew Barth Feldman will (typically) appear in?  Wanting to go this summer, trying to pick the days that are most likely to be with him performing.  

Thanks!

[haterobics]

Posted: 2/5/19 at 11:23am

Telecharge says: "On Tuesday evenings and Wednesday & Saturday matinees, the role of Evan Hansen will be performed by Michael Lee Brown." So, all the rest are Andrew.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/5/19 at 1:58pm

But note: that may not continue to be the case come summer.    (But a good place to start, I suppose.)

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 2/17/19 at 3:25am

Saw this Saturday night. I wanted to experience it from closer to the stage. The first time I sat front right mezzanine. This time I sat right orchestra row F. View was great. Did miss the columns on the far right of the stage but nothing significant. It was great being closer. I enjoyed it very much but didn’t feel as emotionally connected especially in the scene proceeding So Big, So Small. Not sure why as both Andrew and Lisa are very connected to their characters. I am pretty sure some dialogue was changed.

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

As I recall when I saw it the first time, it is made more explicit that Evan broke his arm trying to kill himself. I seem to recall his mom actually saying something to that effect in the scene preceding So Big... It felt much more vague Saturday night. Maybe I’m just misremembering? All I know is last time that scene left me in a puddle of tears and it didn’t do it for me Saturday night. Although when I thanked her at stage door for her performance and started to explain that I was an Evan when I was in high school and had planned to continue to thank her for portraying the mother of all those Evans that are out there but I couldn’t finish because I started choking up and Lisa seemed to choke up as well and said she understood and indicated I didn’t have to finish. She was great in the show - shedding real tears more than once. Everyone came out except for Andrew and Jennifer. 

Andrew is great in the show. He has those Evan-Isms which I think of as Pratt-Isms. He’s not as strong a singer as Pratt, but he acts the role very well. And the vulnerability in his singing matches the character.  But he also finds ways to add his own nuance to the role. 

Glad I saw it again, but don’t feel need to see it a third time. 

Updated On: 2/18/19 at 03:25 AM

[SherrieByTheSea]

Posted: 2/17/19 at 6:52am

I’m going to be breaking my bank for tickets but it’s my daughters first Broadway show. I’m seeing OL C1-5 and OL H 1-5 are both available.

Is row C too close and will some things be missed? Would row H five better overall view and still be able too easily see expressions?

I’m on my mobile and can’t get the regular seat view to show

[Wick3]

Posted: 2/17/19 at 8:25am

Miles2Go2 said: "Saw this Saturday night. I wanted to experience it from closer to the stage. The first time I sat front right. mezzanine. This time I sat front row orchestra row F. View was great. Did miss the columns on the far right of the stage but nothing significant. It was great being closer. I enjoyed it very much but didn’t feel as emotionally connected especially in the scene proceeding Do Big, So Small. Not sure why as both Andrew and Lisa are very connected to their characters. I am pretty sure some dialogue was changed.

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

As I recall when I saw it the first time, it is made more explicit that Evanson broke his arm trying to kill himself. I seem to recall his mom actually saying something to that effect. It felt much more vague Saturday night. Maybe I’m just misremembering? All I know is last time that scene left me in a puddle of tears and it didn’t do it for me Saturday night. Although when I thanked her atstage door for her performance and started to explain that I was an Evan when I was in high school and had planned to continue to thank her for portraying the mother of all those Evans that are out there but I couldn’t finish because I started choking up and she seemed to choke up as well and said she understood and indicated I didn’t have to finish. She was great in the showcase- shedding real tears more than once.Everyone came out except for Andrew and Jennifer.

Andrew is great in the show. He has those Evan-Isms which I think of as Pratt-Isms. He’s not as strong a singer as Pratt, but he acts the role very well. And the vulnerability in his singing matches the character.But he also finds ways to add his own nuance to the role.

"

I've seen the show 8 times sitting all over the theater (in front row center mezz three times, last row side mezz once, 5th row center orch once , standing room twice, 4th row side orch once) and was always most emotional when sitting in center front mezz. Not sure why. Don't get me wrong --- sitting in center orch 5th row was a treat and certainly a great experience (I still got teary eyed but I wasn't as moved as when I was sitting in center mezz front row.)

I don't think row C is too close. Those seats are great especially for the song "For Forever".

[bwaylistener]

Posted: 2/17/19 at 9:20am

SherrieByTheSea said: "I’m going to be breaking my bank for tickets but it’s my daughters first Broadway show. I’m seeing OL C1-5 and OL H 1-5 are both available.

Is row C too close and will some things be missed? Would row H five better overall view and still be able too easily see expressions?

I’m on my mobile and can’t get the regular seat view to show "

Row C will be amazing. I have seen the show numerous times from all over and I definitely prefer being close. You can really see even subtle facial expressions that make me feel more immersed in the emotion of everything. True you might not be able to see some of the stage projections as well, but in my opinion this show is more about the emotions and you get a more intimate experience up close. Enjoy!

[broadwayghost1]

Posted: 2/18/19 at 8:27pm

I haven't seen any reviews about Andrew Barth Feldman. Has anyone seen him perform?

[Dkinny23]

Posted: 2/19/19 at 6:13pm

I would suggest for sure being up close - orchestra row C will be perfect. As everyone here has said, it’s more about the emotions that the characters have than the set - and being able to see every last twitch and tear that the actors has is amazing for this show especially.

I saw Andrew the other day - my comparisons are to Ben Platt and Noah Galvin. I thought Andrew did a great job. He has a wonderful voice and his acting is great. I felt his performance was a little different than Ben and Noah - though I was specifically there to observe for differences so this may be stuff that most people don’t fully realize or capture, especially if they are seeing it for the first time. But overall I thought his version of Evan Hansen was the most “normal kid with some quirks” as oppsoed to Ben and Noah who has a few more of the quirks and ticks that are so a part of the character. Andrew obviously has some of the ticks but it overall seemed a little less and the way he spoke was slightly more “normal” compared to Ben or Noah. That being said, I don’t think it was necessarily a bad thing, just felt a little different to me. All in all, for a 17 year old kid, he did fantastic though and I think worth seeing. ...do have to mention though, I think some of the line delivery for some of the supporting actors wasn’t great - but again I was comparing to the original cast so just differences in styles I guess

[Annette170]

Posted: 2/20/19 at 5:43pm

Wick3 said: "Miles2Go2 said: "Saw this Saturday night. I wanted to experience it from closer to the stage. The first time I sat front right. mezzanine. This time I sat front row orchestra row F. View was great. Did miss the columns on the far right of the stage but nothing significant. It was great being closer. I enjoyed it very much but didn’t feel as emotionally connected especially in the scene proceeding Do Big, So Small. Not sure why as both Andrew and Lisa are very connected to their characters. I am pretty sure some dialogue was changed.

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

As I recall when I saw it the first time, it is made more explicit that Evanson broke his arm trying to kill himself. I seem to recall his mom actually saying something to that effect. It felt much more vague Saturday night. Maybe I’m just misremembering? All I know is last time that scene left me in a puddle of tears and it didn’t do it for me Saturday night. Although when I thanked her atstage door for her performance and started to explain that I was an Evan when I was in high school and had planned to continue to thank her for portraying the mother of all those Evans that are out there but I couldn’t finish because I started choking up and she seemed to choke up as well and said she understood and indicated I didn’t have to finish. She was great in the showcase- shedding real tears more than once.Everyone came out except for Andrew and Jennifer.

Andrew is great in the show. He has those Evan-Isms which I think of as Pratt-Isms. He’s not as strong a singer as Pratt, but he acts the role very well. And the vulnerability in his singing matches the character.But he also finds ways to add his own nuance to the role.

"

I've seen the show 8 times sitting all over the theater (in front row center mezz three times, last row side mezz once, 5th row center orch once , standing room twice, 4th row side orch once)and was always most emotional when sitting in center front mezz. Not sure why. Don't get me wrong --- sitting in center orch 5th row was a treat and certainly a great experience (I still got teary eyed but I wasn't as moved as when I was sitting in center mezz front row.)

I don't think row C is too close. Those seats are great especially for the song "For Forever"."

Fromt row center mezz is how I saw this show and loved my view. I actually prefer seeing lots of shows from front center mezz. Will see Be More Chill soon in those exact seats. 

I saw Dear Evan Hansen with Taylor as Evan and he was amazing. I would like to see the knee kid but I don’t want to compare him to taylor (I think I will). Something about Taylor in this part. His portrayal was believable and I connected immediately with his inner struggle. Great show. Glad it has been successful. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 3/4/19 at 4:02pm

I saw this with Feldman and man, was I underwhelmed. I had just seen it with Michael Lee Brown a few weeks earlier and was really blown away with his performance. Feldman on the other hand left me feeling absolutely nothing for Evan and I walked out just kind of shaking my head.

[BroadwayRox3588]

Posted: 3/4/19 at 4:38pm

New Dear Evan Hansen? Did something happen to the old show?

[Eliza2]

Posted: 3/4/19 at 5:57pm

I haven't seen Andrew in the show, but when he was announced I like the idea of actually having a teenager play Evan.

However, today I saw the new press photos and I was really taken aback by just how young he looks compared to the rest of the cast that plays the other "teenagers" in the show. Hopefully it's just the photography and doesn't seem as jarring on stage.

Posted: 3/4/19 at 6:17pm

I saw it last Thursday and thought he was amazing. While someone older might be a stronger singer...his acting is amazing....I simply don't see how a performance by an older person could be as affecting.

He looks young...but Zoe is also a teen.  The other "teens" read young - particularly Alana - so I don't see it as a problem.  I hope he opts to continue the role for a year or more.

[BroadwayLove8]

Posted: 3/26/19 at 11:43pm

I plan on going to see the show for the first time very soon. Would anyone be able to recommend seeing it with Andrew Barth Feldman or Michael Lee Brown (I have heard good and mixed reviews about both). Or is it worth waiting to see it on tour?

[BroadwayDon2]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 9:36am

I also need advice.  I bought tickets to see ABF specifically for me and my niece.  They are for a Tuesday evening.  After I bought them they announced that ABF doesn’t play Tuesday nights.  My dilemma is do I go back to the box office to exchange them because the “star” isn’t in it that night?  Will they even do that?  Or do I see it with MLB who I’ve heard great things about.  I have seen it twice already.  Once with Ben Platt and once with Taylor Trensch.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  

[herewegoabc]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 12:26pm

I haven't seen Andrew yet, but Michael Lee Brown is my favorite of the other Evans. I've seen all the other Broadway Evans except Roman Banks. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[RWPrincess]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 12:44pm

BroadwayDon2 said: "I also need advice. I bought tickets to see ABF specifically for me and my niece. They are for a Tuesday evening. After I bought them they announced that ABF doesn’t play Tuesday nights. My dilemma is do I go back to the box office to exchange them because the “star” isn’t in it that night? Will they even do that? Or do I see it with MLB who I’ve heard great things about. I have seen it twice already. Once with Ben Platt and oncewith Taylor Trensch. Any advice would be greatly appreciated."

He did an Instagram Live a few weeks ago where he hinted that they were targeting end of April/early May for him to take over on Tuesday nights. I got the impression they are still taking a wait and see attitude with him.

I personally want to see the show with him. The Good Morning America appearance yesterday was fantastic and just the icing on the cake for me after seeing so many recent still photos.

 

[Lot666]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 12:57pm

BroadwayDon2 said: "I bought tickets to see ABF specifically for me and my niece. They are for a Tuesday evening. After I bought them they announced that ABF doesn’t play Tuesday nights. My dilemma is do I go back to the box office to exchange them because the “star” isn’t in it that night? Will they even do that? Or do I see it with MLB who I’ve heard great things about."

I saw the show (alone) with Ben Platt and raved about his performance to my husband, who then wanted to see it. We bought our tickets in advance and were very disappointed to discover upon arrival that Mr. Brown would be on that night for Mr. Platt. The box office actually offered to refund or exchange our tickets, which was very gracious of them, but my husband made the decision to see it anyway because he wasn't sure when he'd have another opportunity. Unfortunately, we both agreed afterwards that this was a mistake. I know some folks like Mr. Brown in this role, but we did not. He seemed far too old, especially in scenes with the mother, who was also played by an understudy that night, and the two were too close in age to be remotely believable. We also didn't feel that Mr. Brown's acting successfully depicted the tragedy of the circumstances in which the character is involved. We would definitely not pay to see him again.

[bwaylinds]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 6:42pm

I've seen all of the actors who've played Evan sans Noah Kieserman and Roman Banks and I honestly did not enjoy Andrew's performance as much as I expected to. I'd rate the "Evans" as followed.

1. Ben Levi Ross 

2. Ben Platt

3. Stephen Christopher Anthony

4. Taylor Trensch

5. Colton Ryan

6. Michael Lee Brown

7. Andrew Barth Feldman

8. Noah Galvin

As you can see, I was not a huge fan of Michael Lee Brown either but for different reasons. I saw Brown in June of 2017 when Platt was on vacation and I found his performance much more mellow than Platt's if that makes sense. He had the same mannerisms as Platt but they were just more toned down. He also couldn't quite hit the notes well. It seemed like he was trying to copy Platt and I did not really like him then. I saw him again a few weeks ago and he not only read way older than 16, something I did not notice the first time, but also seemed almost bored. During songs when he was not singing he sort of was staring into space and if he was trying to make that part of the character, it did not work and was almost distracting during Sincerely, Me. He was honestly just going through the motions and he's clearly tired of the show after being in it for so long. I recently saw Feldman and while it was apparent he was trying his hardest, he couldn't quite get into the character physically. He seemed more like a normal kid who was kind of awkward then a kid with severe social anxiety and it was the first time I came out of the show, not reminiscing on how much I relate to Evan. It was almost disturbing how utterly "normal" his Evan was. His voice audibly cracked a few times but otherwise, he sounded great. I hope that after his tour contract ends, Ben Levi Ross takes over on Broadway because his performance was phenomenal.

[BroadwayLove8]

Posted: 4/29/19 at 12:19am

I recently saw both ABF and MLB in the role and tried going in to each performance without any kind of bias. I’ve never seen the show before, so I can’t compare to Ben Platt or any of other actors who have played the part. First, I thought they both did a really good job. I think their Evans are definitely different, but each of them were able to excel in different areas of the show.

I saw ABF first. I thought ABF had a stronger Act 1. He was very spot on with the comedic points in the show. He bonded extremely well with all the characters at the beginning. Dan Macke was on as Connor and did phenomenal in the role actually, both him and ABF connected very well I thought. I think it was a bit more realistic to see a teenager playing the role of a teenager as well. Vocally he was very good for a 16 year old although some of the bigger notes he struggled with a bit.

ABF’s act 2 was pretty good. He connected very well with Mallory and shared some nice moments with Lisa and Michael Park. While I thought his performance was very good, I didn’t emotionally connect as well as I thought I would at the end, although both ABF and Lisa did a phenomenal job. A few little things I did notice, he does this tic where he like rapidly blinks his eyes at the beginning of the show. He managed to lose this during the middle of the show and started doing this again at the end of the show so I found that to be a bit inconsistent. Also, right at the end when he gives his last line “all I see is sky for forever,” rather than the hopeful look you would sorta imagine Evan to have, I remember ABF portrayed a doubtful and depressing look, as if he was not over everything that happened. Not sure if this was intentional but it was definitely interesting.

MLB’s Act 1 was a bit rocky for me at first. Vocally, he struggled a bit in WTAW, however he was flawless the rest of the performance. I had some trouble connecting with his Evan at first as it did feel a bit likes he’s been in the role a while and was going through the lines. However, as I got more into the show, I started to feel like his portrayal is actually very realistic and that he was probably just performing the role of Evan as an awkward kid who doesn’t necessarily have a regular rhythm. He portrays Evan as that extremely awkward benevolent and shy kid whereas ABF’s portrayal of Evan is definitely a bit more of a “normal” kid who is suppressing his depression.

MLB’s act 2 completely won me over, probably one of the most powerful acts I ever witnessed in a musical. (I’ll admit I have seen a good amount but not a ton of Broadway shows so this is just my personal experience). I didn’t think his connection with Mallory was as strong but he had some very powerful moments with Lisa Brescia and Michael Park. His fighting scenes with Lisa were very strong as was so big/so small. I sobbed the entire second half of act 2. It was just so real and I really could feel his emotions, like I have a hard time believing that he was just acting it out.

This being said, I think ABF had the stronger act 1 and MLB the stronger act 2. I thought they both gave powerful performances but I think I connected a little more with MLB as he just had a lot of the mannerisms I would imagine Evan having and gave a truly emotional show.

In regards to the other cast members, I was nervous about how Lisa Brescia would do because I have seen clips of Rachel Bay Jones and could only imagine her in the role. However Lisa did the role more than justice. I really enjoyed Dan Macke as Connor and hope he can play a greater role in the show in the future. I saw Alex Boniello with MLB and they bonded pretty well. Mallory is incredible as a singer but I feel that her acting wasn’t as strong for some reason, like she was kind of just hitting the notes. I didn’t realize how much I would like Michael Park in the role but wow he blew me away. I give JLT a lot of credit because she has been in the role for a very long time and has to cry the most out of everyone every single performance, but I do think that she might be ready to try something different. Sky was funny but had a different feel than the recording and I feel I missed Will Roland’s performance. Phoenix Best is an incredible singer but the role she plays is limited of course.