Hangar Theatre will open its July run of "Dear Evan Hansen" this week in Ithaca, pairing the Tony Award-winning musical with post-show conversations about mental health, grief and the production itself.
The show runs July 9-18 at the theater at 801 Taughannock Blvd., with a preview performance scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9, and opening night set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 10.
The musical follows a teenager who moves from isolation toward connection with others, in a story Hangar Theatre described as centered on acceptance, identity and human connection.
The production includes performances at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. July 11, 2:30 p.m. July 12, 7:30 p.m. July 14 through July 18, and a 2:30 p.m. matinee July 18.
Talkbacks are planned after the July 12 and July 14 performances. The July 12 discussion will include representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Finger Lakes, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Suicide Prevention and Crisis Services, and the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County. Those organizations will also staff an informational table at performances, according to the theater.
The July 14 talkback will feature members of the cast and creative team.
Director Gavin Mayer said the show examines connection, including the ways social media can interfere with it. He also said the musical recognizes the complicated nature of grief while leaving room for joy.
Musical Director Ben Kapilow said the score combines musical theater storytelling with a contemporary pop-rock sound. Choreography is directed by Aimee Rials, whose previous Hangar Theatre work includes "Waitress," "Ride the Cyclone" and "Fun Home."
The cast features Michael Raul Perez as Evan Hansen and Monica Blume as Cynthia Murphy. Both performers appeared in the "Dear Evan Hansen" national tour. Other cast members include Mary Malaney as Heidi Hansen, Emily Marx as Zoe Murphy, Erica Reyes as Alana Beck, Daniel Siani as Connor Murphy, Adam Simancas as Jared Kleinman and Jesse Swimm as Larry Hansen.
The design and production team includes Debra Kim Sivigny for scenic design, Iris Estelle for costume design, Sara Gosses for lighting design, Caisa Sanburg for sound design, Tyler Perry for projections design, Kayla Owen as production stage manager, Quin Frederich as assistant stage manager and Lucas Hibbert as assistant stage manager.
Tickets and additional information are available through Hangar Theatre. The theater also offers Pay What You Will tickets for Mainstage and KIDDSTUFF productions, which can be purchased at the door or by calling 607-273-2787.
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