| Evan Hansen | |
|---|---|
 Ben Platt as Evan Hansen in the Broadway production of Dear Evan Hansen in 2017. | |
| Created by | Steven Levenson Pasek and Paul |
| Portrayed by | Broadway stage: Ben Platt Noah Galvin Taylor Trensch Andrew Barth Feldman Jordan Fisher Ben Levi Ross Colton Ryan (s/b) West End stage: Sam Tutty 2021 film version: Ben Platt UK Tour: Ryan Kopel Sonny Monaghan (Alternate) |
| Age | 17 years |
| In-universe information | |
| Full name | 2018 novelization: Mark Evan Hansen[1] |
| Species | Human |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | High school student Co-President of The Connor Project Former apprentice park ranger at Ellison State Park |
| Family | Heidi Hansen (mother) 2018 novelization: Mark Hansen (father; divorced) Theresa (stepmother) Haley (stepsister) Dixie (stepsister) Unnamed boy (half brother) |
| Significant other | Zoe Murphy |
| Nationality | American |
| Residence | Bethesda, Maryland, United States |
| Education | 2021 film version: Westview High School |
Evan Hansen is the titular character and main protagonist of the Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen by Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. A bullied 17-year-old high schooler with social anxiety and depression, who lives with his single mother Heidi Hansen after she divorced from his father Mark Hansen ten years before, he attempts to find the acceptance and love he has been lacking in his life. On his journey to be found, he discovers the consequences of risking it all for the chance to be heard.[2]
The character of Evan was originated on stage by Ben Platt, who won the Tony Award for Best Actor for his performance and reprised it in the 2021 film adaptation of the musical. In the show, he appears in a total of 11 musical numbers. The character's signature song is "Waving Through a Window," which is sung early in the musical's first act as his "I Want" song and has become an anthem for those hoping to make a connection while in a state of isolation and depression.[3][4][5][6][7]
- ^ Emmich, Val (2018). Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780316420235. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
- ^ Marks, Peter (July 10, 2015). "Dear Evan Hansen: Original story, high hopes for Benj Pasek and Justin Paul". The Washington Post.
- ^ Arcellana, Isabel (November 25, 2019). "Popular musical coming-of-age story 'Dear Evan Hansen' makes a stop in Fair Park". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
- ^ Kelly, Jim (October 27, 2016). "Pasek and Paul: the Duo Behind Dear Evan Hansen, Broadway's Tragic Coming-of-Age Musical". Vanity Fair. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
- ^ Isherwood, Charles (May 1, 2016). "Review: 'Dear Evan Hansen' Puts a Twist on Teenage Angst". The New York Times.
- ^ Marks, Peter (July 10, 2015). "Dear Evan Hansen: Original story, high hopes for Benj Pasek and Justin Paul". The Washington Post.
- ^ Paulson, Michael (June 7, 2022). "'Dear Evan Hansen' and 'Tina' to End Their Broadway Runs". The New York Times.