DEAR EVAN HANSEN at 2ST Is a Poignant Play for any Age

DEAR EVAN HANSEN  the new off B'wy musical that packs a powerful emotional response touching on socially significant issues of our times.  Evan (played with empathy by Ben Platt "Pitch Perfect") is a h.s. senior who suffers from anxiety and alienation from his peers.  His only friend is Jess who makes it clear their "famly friends only."  Jess becomes complicit in a social media mess along with Alana, an overachiever on overdrive.  Evan lives alone with his loving but harried working mother and P/T student.  Evan's concerned mom seeks how best to help her son.  Perhaps her prodding only exacerbates his discomfort.  The play starts on the 1st day of Evan's senior year in h.s.  He desperately wants to be positive and try to fit in at school.   Evans' mom is not alone in seeking guidance for their troubled teen.  Connor Murphy is also a senior at Evan's school who has alienated his father, sister and classmates with his churlish, anti-social behaviors.  The 1st musical number "Anybody Have a Map" song by both mothers shows their love, pain & helplessness not knowing how to help.  The music/lyrics by Ben Pasek & Justin Paul ("Dogfight" @ 2ST & "A Christmas Story" on B'wy) have composed heart rendering lyrics and stirring music performed by an orch above stage.  "Waving Through a Window" is the 2nd number & song by Evan.  The poignant song expresses his feelings of being on the outside looking in at all times. It's impossible not to feel Evan's pathos & loneliness.  Evan & Connor collide, literally the 1st day of school which tragically is the day Connor commits suicide.  A self-help letter written by Evan is found on Connor & miconstrued by his parents as vestige of friendship and they grasp onto Evan as a lifeline & link to their son.  "Requiem" is a mournful ballad song by Connor's parents & sister Zoe that resonates pain & perseverance.  The play confronts the invasiveness of social media.  The double edged sword of technology/social media & its ubiquitousness in our lives does lead to deception & isolation.  I was moved by DEAR EVAN HANSEN and by thoughtfulness it brings to the pressures placed upon today's teens & their families.  The clever staging provides a visceral feel of over stimuli.  Many of the musical numbers add to the omniprescence of noise to which we may have become innured.  DEAR EVAN HANSEN is an engrossing, talented production that arouses compassion & a helpful understanding of other's torment.