8 Ways the 'Dear Evan Hansen' Movie Varies From the Musical

The 'Dear Evan Hansen' movie is nearly here!

The adaption of the Tony-Award-winning musical premiered last night at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival at the Opening Night Gala Presentation!

While we have to wait a few more weeks for the movie to premiere on big screens around the globe, here are the key differences between the movie and the Broadway musical so you know just what to expect!

Don't expect big Broadway voices.

The acting is stunning, but it's clear that Platt is the only musical theater star in this cast. The song renditions are much quieter and sung popier than what you're used to hearing if you listen to the soundtrack as much as I do, but I still thoroughly enjoyed them. Autotune is obviously used on some of the higher and sustained notes, but most of the singing is very natural and conversational which makes sense for a wider release outside of its original Broadway audience. 

Jared is gay

Nik Dodani plays Jared Kalwani, Evan's family friend. In the musical, the character of Jared Klienman is usually played by a white guy. This Jared is also gay. He makes a joke at the beginning of the film about spending his summer vacation hooking up with "a Brazillian dude who is literally a supermodel."

Larry isn't Connor's biological father.

In the musical, the Murphy family is helmed by Connor and Zoe's biological parents. In the film, Danny Pino plays Connor and Zoe's stepfather, Larry Mora. Their father died when Zoe was 1-year-old. The film reveals that Connor had some memories with his biological father while Zoe had none. 

Four songs have been cut.

Don't expect every song from the musical to have made it into the film. "Anybody Have A Map", "Dissapear", "To Break In A Glove", and "Good For You" are noticeably absent, though some do pop up in other creative ways. At the assembly near the beginning, you might notice the school band playing a horn-driven rendition of "Anybody Have A Map."

Alana Beck gets her own song

Played by the stunning Amandla Stenberg, Alana's character is fleshed out a bit more from her muscial counterpart, diving a bit deeper on her tendancy to use her achievements to compensate for her own depression and explain why she was able to see Evan's so clearly. She has a song of her own titled "Anonymous Ones" and it even gets a reprise later in the film. 

Stephen Chbosky loves his flashbacks

If you're familiar with the other teen movie Chbosky directed (Perks of Being A Wallflower), than you can expect a similar flow and style. Chbosky adores using flashbacks to tell the story and they are heartbreakingly effective in this film. 

You will cry. A lot.

Perhaps this isn't too different from the musical, but I found myself tearing up at different beats than when I watched the Broadway show. It's the same story, but it's cinematic presentation has a drastically different effect, especiallly being so close to see the tears shining in Larry's eyes or Evan breaking down. Get ready for all the feels. 

Sam Smith, Summer Walker, and SZA are featured on the soundtrack

As the end credits roll, Sam Smith's instantly recognizable croon begins singing "You Will Be Found", joined by R&B sensation Summer Walker. As that song ends, SZA carries her own version of the new song addition, "Anonymous Ones." 

Prepare your tissues...

Dear Evan Hansen premieres September 24 in theaters!