Dear Evan Hansen

A screenshot from tick tick boom shows lin manuel miranda and another person in a bookstore

‘Tick Tick Boom’ Is the Solution to Problematic Movie Musicals

Jacob Puestow, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay

As these popular shows become worse in quality and reception, a fairly recent release may provide an answer!…

January 6, 2023

Ben Platt and costar in a scene from his Netflix series The Politician.

From Music to Acting, Ben Platt Continues To Prove He Can Do It All

Debbie Aspromonti, Hofstra University

While he’s best known for his work on Broadway, he has proven his versatility as a contemporary actor and pop singer.…

April 8, 2022

A still from the controversial Dear Evan Hansen

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and Its Problematic Anti-Hero of a Protagonist

Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

In a film that chooses to make a manipulative and, at times even creepy, character its hero, Ben Platt’s age is the last thing you need to worry about.…

October 8, 2021

An illustration of the titular character from Dear Evan Hansen in an article about the musical's upcoming film adaptation. (Illustration by Sonja Vasiljeva, San Jose State University)

Hollywood’s Age-Old Dilemma Meets ‘Dear Evan Hansen’

Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

Ben Platt’s reprisal of his Broadway role in the upcoming film adaptation raises some heads as it continues the surprisingly common occurrence of adults playing high school students.…

June 26, 2021

A scene from Spring Awakening, one of several musicals with an important message

Here Are 5 Broadway Musicals With Meaningful Messages

Lauren Buchko, Michigan State University

Musical theater isn't just catchy songs and flashy dance numbers. Many shows have poignant messages about mental health, suicide, LGBTQ+ issues and more.…

April 20, 2020

My Problem With ‘Dear Evan Hansen’

Sam Shepherd, McGill University

The hit Broadway musical sidesteps a frank portrayal of teenage suicide in favor of a half-baked portrait of teenage mental health.…

September 4, 2019

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