Tyler Donovan McCall leads new run of 'Dear Evan Hansen'

Tyler Donovan McCall takes the lead in a new production of the musical “Dear Evan Hansen” at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. The New York actor portrays the 17-year-old title character, a high school student struggling with anxiety in a single-parent household. His performance is described as impeccable, anchoring a show that critics call a triumph of storytelling and score.

The role demands a powerful tenor voice capable of handling a wide multi-octave range. McCall meets that challenge with a clear and assured delivery. He stands out in early numbers such as the up-tempo “Waving Through a Window” and the solemn “For Forever.” His performance of “Words Fail” near the end of the show is noted as especially gripping. His physical appearance, including a lanky build and angular face, supports the character’s gawkiness without making him look stereotypically geeky.

The 12-person cast delivers strong vocal performances that complement the show’s musical arrangements. The first act concludes with the six-minute song “You Will Be Found,” a track that gained prominence as a source of comfort during the pandemic. The production amplifies the song’s crescendo through excellent harmonies. Supporting actors Nic Hermick, Analisa Idalia, and Gabriel Vernon Nunag bring distinct energy to their roles as Connor, Alana, and Jared, respectively. Nunag, a veteran of the national tour, adds depth to his character’s shift from cynicism to hurt.

Josh Adamson and Jill Van Velzer portray the grieving parents Larry and Cynthia. Adamson’s singing in the duet “To Break in a Glove” is well acted, while Van Velzer conveys desperate grief breaking through her character’s earlier self-absorption. The production updates the show’s original electronic displays for the local stage. Projection Designer David Murakami uses the theater’s large LED screen to display key words from Evan’s journal, online comments, and Instagram feeds. Abstract geometric patterns also shift to mirror the characters’ emotions.

Director and choreographer Stephen C. Anthony oversees the staging. The production is part of a recent run of high-quality musicals at La Mirada, which has staged “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Legally Blonde,” and “Sweeney Todd.” The show is now 11 years old, having originated on Broadway and in national tours.

The performance runs through November 22 at 14900 La Mirada Blvd. in La Mirada. Showtimes include 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets range from $15.95 to $132. For more information, call 714-994-6310 or 562-944-9801, or visit lamiradatheatre.gov.

The review awarded the production four stars out of four possible stars. Critics praised the combination of the play, production, and performance as a top-tier local stage experience. The show remains a compelling tale of an adolescent’s struggle with inadequacy and connection.