We went to two phenomenal shows this week, a world premiere at Arena Stage and a revival at the Kennedy Center, both filled with fantastic songs, and both about finding the courage to do what's right.
We were thrilled last night to go to Arena Stage for the world premiere musical Dear Evan Hansen. The wonderful show stars Pitch Perfect actor Ben Platt, who delivers a tour de force performance as Evan. He stars with Laura Dreyfuss as Zoe.
Arena Artistic Director Molly Smith spoke at the post-show reception and said having a blue moon is an auspicious sign for such an extraordinary achievement as this play. We snapped her bookended by Arena Board president David Shiffrin and his wife, Peggy, wearing a necklace she designed.
Arena Board chair Beth Newburger Schwartz is bookended by Peter and Judy Kovler. Four years in the making, the moving play was directed by Michael Grief, who also did Rent and Next to Normal, with the music and songs by Emmy and Tony nominated songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
There were eight fantastic actors in the terrific ensemble, including Mike Faist, who plays Connor Murphy. We loved him in the song Sincerely, Me with Evan and Jared. He's here with sister Krista and mom Julie. The play runs until Aug. 23.
