From Broadway to bookstores: “Dear Evan Hansen” has now become a novel From Broadway to bookstores: “Dear Evan Hansen” has now become a novel
BY ARIELLE KRAUS The Broadway show “Dear Evan Hansen” has sincerely touched the lives of those who have seen it. On October 8, 2018,... From Broadway to bookstores: “Dear Evan Hansen” has now become a novel

BY ARIELLE KRAUS

The Broadway show “Dear Evan Hansen” has sincerely touched the lives of those who have seen it. On October 8, 2018, the production was made into a novel, enabling more individuals to be impacted by this story. The powerful message of “Dear Evan Hansen” will leave readers with a new outlook on life.

“Dear Evan Hansen” is about high schooler Evan Hansen, who struggles with severe social anxiety. Evan Hansen longs for friends and ends up becoming caught in a lie with the Murphy family after their son, Connor Murphy, commits suicide. This lie provides Evan Hansen with a voice and alters his life forever.

Unlike most novels, “Dear Evan Hansen” was written and released after the play. Therefore, the content of the novel is a more in-depth version of the show. It expresses the deep thoughts and feelings of the characters, which are not fully developed in the play.

Connor Murphy is a troubled boy who commits suicide at the beginning of both the play and novel. The book provides more detailed information on Connor Murphy’s background and helps the reader understand his mindset. In the play, the audience is not informed of Connor Murphy’s past and can only make assumptions.

Fans, as well as writers of the show, longed to know more about Connor Murphy. According to Teen Vogue, author of the novel and creator of the show Steven Levenson was very passionate about diving deep into Connor Murphy’s story. When creating the novel, Levenson ensured that his story would be elaborated upon.

A key part of the production is the music. Each song expresses the feelings, thoughts and ideas of the characters during that scene. Many songs have underlying messages about feeling alone, falling in love, losing control and finding one’s way. Throughout the book, song lyrics are scattered within the text, making true fans eager to find more.

“Whenever I was unsure of what was going on beneath the surface of a character’s emotions, I could always put on the music,” author of “Dear Evan Hansen” Val Emmich said in an interview with The New York Times.

The message of “Dear Evan Hansen” is very relevant and needed to be expressed in society today. Depression and social anxiety are common concerns amongst high school students. This show sheds light on these issues and provides hope to those watching.

The price of admission to a Broadway show is relatively high and difficult for most to afford. Creating a novel was the perfect way for the show’s writers to convey their story to a wider audience. With such a relatable plot and important message, creating a novel out of the show will change the lives of many more.

The message displayed in “Dear Evan Hansen” will forever impact any individual who has the opportunity to read the book or see the play. With social anxiety and depression as common problems in society today, it is very easy to feel alone. But remember, from the wise words of Evan Hansen, “you will be found.”

Photo by Genna Nordling