‘Dear Evan Hansen’ cast revealed for Manila season

GMG Productions has released the full cast list for the Manila run of Dear Evan Hansen, the acclaimed musical that has earned both Tony and Grammy Awards.

Following a 32-venue tour across the United Kingdom, the international production opens this September in The Theatre at Solaire.

British actor Ellis Kirk takes on the lead role of Evan Hansen. Joining him are Rebecca McKinnis as Heidi Hansen, Zoë Athena as Zoe Murphy, Helen Anker as Cynthia Murphy, Hal Fowler as Larry Murphy, Rhys Hopkins as Connor Murphy, Tom Dickerson as Jared Kleinman, and Olivia-Faith Kamau as Alana Beck. Sonny Monaghan joins the company as alternate Evan Hansen.

Also featured in the ensemble are Jake Halsey-Jones, Sheri Lineham, Joseph Peacock, Annie Southall and Ashlyn Weekes.

Kirk and McKinnis previously appeared in the show’s West End production. Anker, who portrays Cynthia Murphy, was part of the Asian tour of Mamma Mia!.

“We’re pleased to officially introduce the cast bringing life to Dear Evan Hansen to Manila,” said GMG Productions chief executive officer Carlos Candal. “It’s always exciting to bring a major production like this to Manila. We’ve assembled a fantastic cast, and we’re looking forward to seeing how audiences connect with their performances.”

Due to strong ticket demand, the Manila season has been extended. Performances will now run from 4 September to 5 October in The Theatre at Solaire.

Dear Evan Hansen is a contemporary musical that explores themes of anxiety, isolation and longing for connection. The story follows Evan, a high school student caught in a misunderstanding after the death of a classmate. What begins as a small lie quickly grows, forcing Evan to decide whether to keep quiet or reveal the truth at the risk of losing the sense of belonging he has finally found.

Since its debut, the musical has received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and relatable themes. It won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and earned a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. The show features music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with a book by Steven Levenson.

The international touring production is a collaboration between ATG Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, and Nottingham Playhouse, under the direction of Adam Penford.

Creative team members include Morgan Large for set and costume design, Carrie-Anne Ingrouille for choreography, Matt Daw for lighting design, Tom Marshall for sound design and Ravi Deepres for video design. Musical supervision is by Matt Smith, with Michael Bradley as musical director.

Casting is by Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion & Natalie Gallacher Casting. Michelle Payne serves as associate director, and Laura Llewellyn-Jones is the orchestral manager.

The production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.