Two years ago, shortly after it opened on Broadway, Sudbury actor and YES Theatre founder Alessandro Costantini saw the musical “Dear Evan Hansen” during a trip to New York City.
“I thought 'Oh, this would be a really great show for YES one day,'” he said. “I remember seeing it and saying 'Wow, I want to be a part of that. Wouldn't that be nice?'”
Although it's not being presented by YES Theatre just yet, Costantini's wish to appear in the show has come true, as he's been cast as a character named Jared Kleinman in the Toronto production of “Dear Evan Hansen.” The show opened March 5 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre.
“Dear Evan Hansen” tells the story of a young man with social anxiety disorder who so yearns to make a connection with his peers that he fabricates a relationship with a deceased student to become closer to the boy’s family.
When a classmate commits suicide, shy Evan finds himself at the center of the tragedy and turmoil. In a misguided attempt to comfort the boy’s grieving family, Evan pretends that he was actually good friends with their son. He invents a fabricated email account to “prove” their friendship, and when a fake suicide note makes its way online, Evan finds himself the unintended face of a viral video about loneliness and friendship.
As his social currency skyrockets, Evan is drawn deeper and deeper into the lie. His relationship with his actual mother wanes in comparison to that of his “shiny new family.” He finally lands the girl of his dreams, and most importantly--he’s no longer invisible.
Eventually, Evan is forced to make a decision: Will he give himself over to the fantasy he’s created, or will he bite the bullet and risk losing everything he’s ever wanted?
Costantini said the show deals with issues that are very important to teens these days, including social media and mental health.
“It's about a young person desperately trying to connect,” he said. “It's an inspiring story that kind of articulates that help is close to you. If you're feeling in a dark place, there's just truly a lot of love around and a lot of support, even if it feels like there isn't.”
The character Costantini portrays, Jared Kleinman, is Evan's so-called family friend who portrays himself as an arrogant jerk, but is actually an insecure teenage boy beneath his facade.
“He's a bit of a pompous, loud kid,” said Costantini. “He himself has so many insecurities. This is a way of him dealing with that.”
He said he's “over the moon” that he's part of this production, which is put on by Mirvish.
“When I found out I was cast, I cried,” Costantini said.
“I'm so thankful, I'm so grateful that it's happening at this point in my life, and it's happening with this story. There's never a day that passes by that I don't acknowledge how fortunate I am to be doing it.”
If you happen to be taking a trip to Toronto in the near future, Costantini encourages you to take in the show, which runs until June 30.
Tickets range in price from $59 to $199, depending on seating. Mirvish notes that the subject material may be inappropriate for children age 12 and under, and that kids under the age of four are not permitted in the theatre.
Visit mirvish.com for tickets.
