"Today Is Going To Be A Good Day… And Here’s Why..."

(my experience in watching the play "Dear Evan Hansen" live!)

It truly was a full-circle moment for me. Back in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, I stumbled upon Dear Evan Hansen through that famous “slime tutorial” video on YouTube. (True fans knows this! Haha!) As I watched it, I connected with the story and its message instantly. It moved me to tears and helped me heal during such a heavy time. Fast forward to 2025, and there I was, sitting in a theater at Solaire, in the Philippines, watching the story unfold right in front of me. It felt surreal. I wasn’t just “waving through a window” anymore — I was inside the house itself. Actually, even now I’m still emotional and almost at a loss for words.

After I wrote my first review of Dear Evan Hansen back in 2020 (link here), my biggest wish was to someday see it live. But honestly, I never thought it would happen. It was a foreign play after all, and just imagining the production coming here to the Philippines felt impossible. When they released the movie in 2021 with Ben Platt reprising his role, I was already more than grateful. That felt like the closest I’d ever get.

Then, last March, the announcement came: the Dear Evan Hansen international tour was coming to Manila. I was ecstatic. I almost cried when I saw the news! Watching it live wasn’t even in my plans for 2025, yet there it was, suddenly within reach. I quickly checked my savings, bought a ticket as soon as they went on sale, and started counting the days.

I’ve shared countless times on my socials how much this play means to me, and the reason is because I relate to Evan on such a deep level. I was once that kid who was afraid to talk to people and even though I’m not as quiet as him, I instead used jokes to cover my shyness. Like him, I’m also bullied, no friends and also had a crush on someone but couldn’t find the courage to say anything. I was the Evan no one really noticed in school, the one shoved aside because there was nothing “special” about him. Most painfully, like Evan, I also once tried to “climb a tree and let go.” (If you know what I mean). That’s why this show hit me so hard, because Dear Evan Hansen isn’t just about a boy with social anxiety who makes a desperate mistake to be seen. It’s about the universal longing to be noticed, to be heard, and to be loved simply for who you are and not by what’s wrong on him. That was my story too.

When the day finally came, I hopped on a motorcycle to the venue after overthinking of what the right clothes to wear. I prayed the rain wouldn’t pour too hard before I arrived. Once inside, I printed my ticket, bought merch, grabbed a snack and coffee, and took photos at the DEH-themed booths. The excitement was contagious, seeing other fans smiling and buzzing made my own anticipation even stronger.

After a few minutes, we were ushered on our seats and I made myself comfortable. Then, the lights dimmed, and the show began. The moment the cast stepped onto the stage, tears quietly rolled down my cheeks. For years I had sung those songs alone in my room whenever I felt alone or depressed. I acted out the scenes, feeling every lyric. Now, watching them performed live just a few meters away was overwhelming. Even from my seat farther back, the emotions, the voices, the story, they all pierced through. I tried hard not to sing along under my breath!

There were moments of laughter, dance, and lightheartedness, but when the heavy scenes arrived, they landed with so much weight. I initially told myself not to compare Sonny Monaghan, who played Evan that night, to Ben Platt. They each have their own style. But Sonny blew me away. He captured the heart of Evan beautifully. The entire cast was outstanding, and they carried the story with so much sincerity.

When the final bows were taken, I walked out of the theater with a full heart. Every peso I spent was worth it. If I had the chance (and the budget), I’d gladly watch it again. But even if this was just once, I’ll hold onto it forever, a once-in-a-lifetime moment that completed my Dear Evan Hansen journey.

On the ride home, I thought to myself: it really was a good day. And now I know why.

Dear Evan Hansen, thank you for finding me. Thank you for sharing your story. No matter life takes me, you’ll always have a special place in my heart. See you when I see you. 💙💙💙

— Sincerely, Me.

---

See my full Dear Evan Hansen blog playlist for "Dear Evan Hansen"

Part 1: "Dear Evan Hansen" [2016] - review

Part 2: "Waving Through A Window"

Part 3: "For Forever"

Part 4: "Words Fail"

Part 5: "You Will Be Found"