5 Reasons Why We're Obsessed With 'Dear Evan Hansen'

An instant Broadway hit, Dear Evan Hansen took the box office by storm since opening in December 2016 and it's all anyone's talking about in the musical theater world. Why is the show so insanely popular, you ask? Let's dive into the world of Dear Evan Hansen.

1. Ben Platt

We first fell in love with Ben Platt (one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2017) as Benji, an immediate standout in Pitch Perfect with his quirky comedic timing and magical voice. He's been busy since then, taking time to star in Book of Mormon and originate the role of Evan in Dear Evan Hansen. Platt's starring role is impossible to tear your eyes away from and is heartbreaking in the best way (and don't get me started on those pipes).

2. The story

Dear Evan Hansen follows the story of Evan, an anxiety-ridden high school senior with a tendency to distance himself from others. After his classmate, Connor Murphy, commits suicide, a mix-up places Evan in the position to befriend Connor's distraught family, including Evan's crush and Connor's sister, Zoe. In trying to console the Murphy's, Evan gets caught up in a web of lies that seems impossible to unravel. Dear Evan Hansen delicately explores a family's relationship in the wake of suicide, beautifully handles the nuances of anxiety and depression, and breaks down the loneliness and that desire to connect lingering in every single one of us.

3. The entire cast

Every single member of this eight-person cast is perfect in every way.

Laura Dreyfuss (who you might remember from the final season of Glee as Madison McCarthy), the controlling cheerleader twin with a mesmerizing voice, absolutely crushes it opposite of Platt as Zoe Murphy.

Rachel Bay Jones as Evan's mom, Heidi Hansen, makes me sob every time she opens her mouth, a voice brimming with emotion and talent. Kristolyn Lloyd's small but memorable parts will you leave you stunned and begging for more. Every cog in this well-oiled machine brings something remarkable to the table, and it's incredible to watch it all play out on stage.

4. The music

Words fail to describe how amazing this soundtrack is. The Dear Evan Hansen composers, Benj Pasek and John Paul, also wrote the music for the 2016 Oscar-winning La La Land and the acclaimed musical Dogfight. Listen to Platt's "Waving Through a Window" and it's easy to see why the show has grabbed the world's attention.

5. Celebrities can't stop raving

If Jane Fonda's word won't convince you, I don't know what will.

Stream the album below and buy your tickets to Dear Evan Hansen here. (Good luck getting tickets though...)