By Shelby Coleman
This week, The Carnegie opened it’s regional premiere of Dear Evan Hansen. This production shows why time and time again, The Carnegie is one of the top theaters to visit in the Greater Cincinnati area.
The Story
Dear Evan Hansen follows a shy and socially anxious high school student who struggles to connect with others. After a misunderstanding leads to unexpected attention from his classmates and a grieving family, Evan (Tommy Sanders) finds himself caught in a situation that continues to spiral to new heights.
Dear Evan Hansen has always been a musical that asks difficult questions. It explores grief, loneliness, identity, and the desperate human need to belong. Those themes resonate with striking clarity in The Carnegie’s production, creating an evening that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. Under the continued leadership of Tyler Gabbard, The Carnegie has firmly established itself as one of the premier theatre destinations in the Tri-State area, and this production serves another reminder of the organization’s artistic ambition and commitment to excellence.
Performances
In this production, Tommy Sanders takes on the title role and delivers a thoughtful and emotionally layered performance as Evan Hansen. There is a clear sense of dedication and research behind every choice he makes. His Evan feels authentic rather than manufactured, creating a character whose struggles speak to audiences from all walks of life. Sanders (recently seen in Ensemble’s The House on Watch Hill) captures the awkwardness, fear, and yearning that define Evan while still allowing moments of genuine charm and hope to emerge. The result is a compelling portrayal that anchors the entire production.
While Sanders leads the story, several performers threaten to steal the spotlight whenever they step on stage. Sean Young creates one of the evenings most compelling performances as Connor Murphy. Though Connor’s stage time is relatively short, Young makes every moment count. He expertly balances the anger and pain that define Connor. Young, from Ball State University, creates a character that lingers in the audience’s mind long after he exits the stage.
Another undeniable standout is Jordyn Amani Jones as Alana Beck. Audiences may remember Jones for her remarkable performance as Celie in The Color Purple last summer (and also from The House on Watch Hill). Her versatility as a performer is once again on full display here. The transition from one of musical theatre’s most emotionally demanding leading roles to the ambitious and driven Alana Beck showcases an artist with extraordinary range. Jones continues to showcase some of the most powerful vocals The Carnegie stage has seen and effortlessly commands the room whenever she sings.
Adrian Graff shines as Jared Kleinman, delivering some of the show’s most welcome comedic breaks. Graff’s instincts as an actor are impeccable, as he showcases layers of sincerity within Jared’s sarcasm and wit. Equally impressive are his vocal abilities, which emerge in unexpected moments throughout the evening. (And yes, he too was in Ensemble’s The House on Watch Hill.)
Thoughtful Direction
Well deserved credit must be given to director Joe Bertucci for shaping a production that feels both intimate and universal. Bertucci has created an environment that reflects the show’s message: no one is truly alone. There is an unmistakable sense of care woven throughout the production that transforms the theatre into a gathering place where arts lovers can come together, support one another, and share in a collective emotional experience. Throughout the evening many audience members were moved to tears, further showcasing the success of Bertucci’s care and vision. Bertucci’s direction allows the story’s difficult themes to land with honesty while never losing sight of the hope that ultimately defines the piece.
Jacob Priddy’s music direction ensures that these talented performers showcase not only the score but their talents. Clearly Bertucci and Priddy understand the piece—and how theatre as a varied art form can bring people together, reminding us that even in our darkest moments we do not have to carry our burdens alone.
Creative
This production makes bold and effective choices through more than just the performances. Scenic designer Tyler Gabbard embraces an intentionally bare stage, allowing the focus to remain squarely on the characters and their relationships. In doing so, the design simultaneously highlights the overwhelming presence of social media in modern life. The absence of physical clutter creates space for digital elements to dominate the storytelling, reinforcing the ways online interactions shape the characters’ realities.
That concept is elevated through the outstanding media design by Gabbard and Angel Hardy. Their work deepens the audience’s immersion into a world fueled by screens. The projections highlight the growing distance between online friendship and genuine human connection. Throughout the evening, the media design serves as a constant visual reminder that while technology can bring people together, it can also leave them feeling more isolated than ever.
Complementing these visual elements is Dani Lobello’s exceptional sound design. Lobello crafts an audio landscape that fully immerses audience members in the world of the production. Every cue feels carefully chosen, creating an entire universe around the performers despite the minimalist staging. The result is a soundscape that supports both the emotional intimacy and larger thematic ambitions of the show.
The costume design by Jeff Shearer offers subtle nods to the original Broadway production while still feeling uniquely suited to this cast and staging. Each costume complements the performer wearing it, helping define characters further.
Lighting designer Julie Cowger adds to the creative team with work that is both elegant and emotionally responsive. Her lighting helps guide the audience through the musical’s shifting emotional landscape, enhancing moments of isolation, connection, heartbreak, and hope. Cowger is able to use lighting to create entire outdoor landscapes on a stage that is largely bare and technology based. The contrast between the cold precision of the screens and the warmth she brings to the stage creates hope inside performers and audience members alike.
Overall
At its core, Dear Evan Hansen remains a story about the universal need to be seen, heard, and understood. The Carnegie’s production captures that truth beautifully through strong performances, thoughtful direction, and an exceptional creative team. It is a production that entertains while encouraging reflection, reminding audiences that even in a world dominated by screens and social media, authentic human connection remains our most powerful source of comfort.
Performance Information
Dear Evan Hansen runs through June 28, 2026, at the Carnegie at 1028 Scott Blvd, Covington, KY 41011. Purchase tickets at the box office, online at DEAR EVAN HANSEN – The Carnegie, or by phone: 859-957-1940. Call now, to avoid potential sell outs.
