Local stage revives musical hit

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts is currently staging a four-star production of the musical "Dear Evan Hansen." The run continues through Nov. 22 at 14900 La Mirada Blvd.

The review notes the production succeeds in delivering high-caliber musical storytelling and a committed embrace of deep feeling. The performance is described as a sure-handedly directed effort that meets the elevated standards of the original work.

The central performance comes from Tyler Donovan McCall, a young New York actor cast in the title role. The reviewer identifies McCall as a tremendous casting coup who delivers an impeccable lead performance. His physical appearance, characterized by a thin, lanky frame and angular face, supports the character's awkward adolescent quality.

McCall brings a powerful tenor voice to the demanding multi-octave range required by the score. He establishes his primacy in early numbers such as "Waving Through a Window" and "For Forever." His delivery of "Words Fail" near the end of the show is cited as especially gripping.

The 12-person cast provides strong vocal support for the musical arrangements. The first act concludes with "You Will Be Found," a six-minute number where the crescendo is amplified by excellent harmonies. This song is widely recognized as a source of comfort during the pandemic.

Supporting actors contribute notable turns to the production. Nic Hermick animates the character of Connor, making the role's upbeat aspects feel appropriate. Analisa Idalia plays Alana, portraying a character who is aggressively upbeat and industrious in social media engagements.

Gabriel Vernon Nunag returns to the role of Jared, a part he performed in a national tour. He shifts from fast, cynical banter to baffled hurtfulness when his character is dismissed by Evan. Josh Adamson and Jill Van Velzer portray the grieving parents, with Adamson standing out in the duet "To Break in a Glove." Van Velzer delivers impactful scenes of desperate grief breaking through earlier self-absorption.

The production updates the electronic elements of the show for the local stage. Projection Designer David Murakami uses a large LED backing screen to display key words from Evan’s journal in oversize block type. The visuals also include Instagram feed images and abstract geometric patterns that change colors to mirror themes of loneliness and anxiety.

Director and choreographer Stephen C. Anthony oversees the stage work, which matches the visual achievements above. La Mirada Theatre has produced a series of high-level musicals in recent seasons, including "Fiddler on the Roof," "Legally Blonde," and "Sweeney Todd."

Tickets for the engagement are priced between $15.95 and $132. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays, and 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays. Sunday performances begin at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Information is available at 714-994-6310 or 562-944-9801.