Alex Kulak2 said: "Alex Kulak2 said: "I personally believe DEH is one of the most important works of musical theatre of the 21st century, and was disappointed when it wasn't a finalist for the Pulitzer, but to be fair, I fully recognize that I'm musical theatre trash, so take that for whatever you will."
Can you explain what exactly is “important” about it?
It's depiction of Social Anxiety, It's unflinching honesty when it comes to how your loved ones react to mental illness, it's call to action of sorts for other musicals to try harder to be something more than silly entertainment."
The assertion that every musical prior to Dear Evan Hansen has been “silly entertainment” is, of course, absurd. Unless you quantify shows like Fun Home or The Band’s Visit as “silly entertainment.” Evan Hansen is not even the first, nor will it be the last, musical to deal with mental illness in an “honest” way. The obvious example, of course, is next to normal, which at least bothers to show the consequences of the mentally ill character’s actions.
Updated On: 3/21/18 at 03:41 PM
