SALT LAKE CITY — The Tony Award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen” has officially made its Utah premiere at Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC) — and its message couldn’t be more timely.
This marks the first time a Utah-based theater company has performed the celebrated Broadway hit, which opened Friday and runs through Nov. 8 at the University of Utah’s Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre. But for director Karen Azenberg, this production isn’t just about bringing a beloved show to local audiences — it’s about sparking vital conversations around mental health, especially among Utah’s youth.
A Story That Resonates in Utah
“Dear Evan Hansen” follows a teenage boy struggling with anxiety and isolation who becomes entangled in a lie about his connection to a classmate who died by suicide. Since its Broadway debut in 2016, the show has been praised — and sometimes debated — for its candid portrayal of mental illness, loneliness, and social media’s impact on self-worth.
Azenberg said the musical’s message is particularly relevant in Utah, where suicide is the leading cause of death among residents aged 10 to 24, according to the Utah State Board of Education. “The suicide rate for teens in Utah is terribly high compared to the national average,” she said. “The internet can be wonderful — but it can also create deep loneliness.”
Utah also ranks among the top states for adult mental health challenges, making “Dear Evan Hansen” a uniquely resonant production for audiences here.
Collaboration for Authentic Representation
To ensure the show handled its subject matter with authenticity, PTC partnered with the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative, an initiative led by the University of Utah’s College of Education and the Huntsman Mental Health Institute.
Program director Sean Weeks, whose organization provides mental health training to schools across Utah, worked closely with Azenberg and the cast for months leading up to the premiere. The collaboration helped actors understand the complexities of mental illness — and also provided emotional support as they navigated such heavy material.
“When you’re working on something this emotionally charged, even rehearsals can take a toll,” Azenberg said. “The collaborative team was incredibly thoughtful about keeping everyone’s mental health in check.”
Weeks also offered insight into recent events affecting Utahns — including the shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, the death of LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson, and a church shooting in Michigan — to help out-of-state cast members grasp the emotional context for local audiences.
Reaching Students and the Community
Recognizing the show’s potential to reach young audiences, PTC has scheduled two special matinee performances for local students, complete with post-show discussions. Weeks and other mental health professionals will be available to answer questions and share resources.
On Nov. 8, the closing day, a community panel discussion on mental health will follow the matinee performance. The event will be moderated by Aaron Fischer, executive director of the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative, with panelists including Aimee Winder Newton, senior adviser to Governor Spencer Cox and director of the Utah Office of Families.
Throughout the show’s run, representatives from the collaborative will also host an information table in the theater lobby, offering audiences direct access to support materials and local resources.
A Message of Hope and Connection
For both Azenberg and Weeks, the ultimate goal of “Dear Evan Hansen” is to encourage empathy and open dialogue. “This show is about connection — about reminding people to reach out, listen, and care for one another,” Azenberg said.
The musical’s emotional anthem, “You Will Be Found,” captures that message perfectly. “It’s a reminder that no one is truly alone,” Azenberg added. “We just need to keep reaching out.”
“Dear Evan Hansen” runs at Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City through Nov. 8.
