Dear Evan Hansen: Through the Window

by Steven Levenson

The official behind-the-scenes book of the hit musical that won 6 Tony Awards, now also a major motion picture! 

A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he's always a chance to finally fit in. Both deeply personal and profoundly contemporary, Dear Evan Hansen is a new American musical about life and the way we live it.

The book-produced by Melcher Media, the team behind Hamilton , Wicked , Rent , and many more-tells the story of the musical from its conception nearly a decade ago to the Broadway stage. From developing the idea to writing the show, composing, casting, and rehearsals, Dear Evan Hansen appeals to fans far and wide offering them the opportunity to continuously revisit the show, and for those who haven't seen the musical, reading the book will make them feel like they have.

Filled with interviews with the cast and crew, original behind-the-scenes photography, a deeper look into Evan's fictional world and the visual world of the show, unreleased lyrics, and of course the libretto, as well as reflections on the creators own formative memories from their adolescence as it relates to the show's themes, and important examinations of how we present ourselves online and mental health, Dear Evan Hansen is a beautifully produced, thoughtful, and uplifting book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theatre, Musicals, Plays, Music, Audiobook, Mental Health

224 pages, Hardcover

Published November 21, 2017

Reviews

[Jessica J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't seen this show yet, but I'm dying to because the music has meant so much to me. The first time I heard “Waving Through A Window,” it felt like someone had taken a letter opener to my forearm or my sternum because it so eloquently described what it feels like to be a teenager with crippling social anxiety. I know it's corny as hell, but it made me feel understood and that's a really powerful thing.

And so I love the show and knew I had to have the companion book and I consumed it in a single sitting. I couldn't give this five stars, though, because the show doesn't have the kind of mythological backstory that Hamilton or Rent had, that makes this kind of book feel so urgent and necessary. It doesn't have the larger than life creative wonder that is Lin-Manuel Miranda that makes this kind of book feel like you're getting inside the head of someone inimitable. It gives you lots of behind-the-scenes info, but it was kind of lacking that sense of vitality that the Hamilton book had. Fans will love it, I'm sure, but I don't think they'll feel like they've missed out if they skip it, either.

Also, I've met Benj Pasek’s mom and...actually, I shouldn't say anything more than that because I could get myself into real trouble. But I wish she could hook a girl up.

[Jenn G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know how to explain all my love for this play! I was obsessed with the songs without knowing the story or anything but now that I've read the play I'm crazy about it even more! I NEED to see it live and i'm very disappointed I won't be able to see it with Ben Platt as Evan.

[Valarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like watching a DVD, with a very good commentary, and supplemental features with making of documentary and interviews with cast and creators. Perfect for the fan of the show and the fan of musical theater in general. Play your soundtrack CD to hear the songs as you read them, and the comments, for extra fun!

[Aude Odeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #100 of 2017.


This book follows the journey of just a spark if an idea to Broadway and the Tonys and beyond. Beautifully put together, any fan will appreciate the remarkable insights and photographs, especially those who haven't been lucky enough to see the show yet.

Worth the price of admission.

[Joni Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for Christmas and thought it would be a nice if heavy coffee table read, but it ended up being way cooler than that. My trivia loving soul enjoyed the behind the scenes look at this awesome musical and since I haven’t been able to actually see the show yet, it was also great to read the script.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

yayyy cute. I like collecting these. This one wasn't as interesting or engaging to me as the Hamilton one, mostly just because I feel like there were less hidden meanings in the more simplistic songs. Still, it was fun to read about even if it went a little slower. And it's prettyyyyy and it's nice having the whole script so that I can put on a one-woman show if necessary.

[Halley Hopson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so grateful and glad to have followed this show from the time when Ben Platt won his Obie award, before the show had a cast album or had even made it to broadway. It has such a special place in my heart and I love hearing just how much it means to so many people 💙

[Rachel Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love this. As someone who was able to be a relatively early viewer of this show, I was in awe of all of the work and dedication it took to get the show to where it is today.

From workshops in DC, to off broadway at 2nd Stage, to finally finding a home at The Music Box, this show went through so much. If you’re a fan of the show, I highly recommend giving this book a read.

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a HUGE Fansen I adored this book. I loved getting all of the annotations, fun facts, pictures, and stories. Amazing.

[Kelly K · Rating 5 out of 5]

GAHHH this makes me really want to go back to NYC to see more musicals.

[Maddie Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

One character strength for Evan Hansen is kindness. He made up the lie that he was friends with Connor because he was trying to make his parents feel better about Connor's death.

[▪︎♤ Hope ♤▪︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about how this extraordinary show was made. It is a dream to be part of it someday maybe, and seeing how all the choices were made is amazing.

#youwillbefound

[Stephanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't pay much attention to Broadway. I'm not a huge theater buff to begin with, and new plays are irrelevant to me until Midwest theaters can stage them, with rare exceptions if they star a Hollywood actor or musician I love (hey Josh Groban).

That's part of why prior to two months ago, I knew nothing about Dear Evan Hansen except its title and lead; my dim (and incorrect) understanding was that it was either an offshoot of The Book of Mormon or similar to the plot of What If It's Us. Then "Waving Through A Window" showed up on a Spotify playlist, causing me to immediately start playing the amazing soundtrack on loop. Eventually I looked up the summary, and OH, apparently this is a plot tailor made for me??

But I decided not to watch it right away. I really enjoyed experiencing the Wicked musical for the first time via The Grimmerie after falling for its soundtrack, so when I found out this tome existed I decided to apply the same treatment.

Now, I'm not usually one who finds scripts very enthralling compared to novels, but I found myself super invested in the story and really curious to know how everything would come together -- knowing the general outline took away none of the suspense. I also really liked that said script was annotated, so that when I did finally treat myself to a full-length YouTube recording, I knew the backstory to certain parts as well as things to look for. I also retroactively recognize a few elements of cut parts that made it into the YA novel.

I was not as gripped by the background of the musical as I was by the libretto, but I'm glad I read it. It feels important to have a thorough understanding of how it all came together. I see that a few of the cut songs appear on the deluxe edition of the soundtrack, for instance, and I really like having context for them even though I haven't heard them yet. I also liked the book's extra-large size and the number of photographs from the show, and really liked how this book used song lyrics from the show as extremely effective chapter headers.

All in all, I definitely recommend this. And the show itself even more.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is probably one of my favorite books of all time. I’m a huge fan of Dear Evan Hansen, I own a copy of the script and have the cast recording on my phone with almost every song memorized. The “Through the Window” part of the title was so true. The entire team of the show helped make this and it really shows. The stories they all had growing up and how they connected to their characters were truly inspirational and it helps you understand you aren’t alone. The book takes you beyond the musical, beyond the cast to where is all started. Two college freshman at a public college’s theater program, who couldn’t dance and found acting wasn’t for them. But now sitting with their Tony Award it was all worth it. I can’t believe how far they’ve come. If I had one wish it would be to see Ben Platt perform on broadway, but sadly that won’t happen. Being into theater myself I think everyone apart of this book did an amazing job showing the behind the scenes. I hope one day I’ll be in the audience of Deh but for now I’ll keep my cast recording on repeat and reread my script and this amazing book multiple times.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether or not you've seen the musical, this book will definitely give you the feels. With great commentary from Pasek and Paul (duo behind the music of Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land, and The Greatest Showman, to name a few), Through the Window provides a peak behind the curtain -- and the journey it took to bring this show to Broadway.

My favorite bit was Ben Platt's account of how he got into character (from screwing up his posture, to taking exercise classes to avert possible permanent damage from screwing up his posture).

Play the Original Cast Recording in the background as you read the libretto!

[Renata · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did a heavy skim of this while preparing for a book club discussion of the Dear Evan Hansen novel. As a longtime theater fan I'm familiar with this genre of photo-heavy, annotated musical libretto, and this one is just fine. Some interesting behind the scenes stuff, etc. Truthfully most people who are interested enough to read it have probably already read it? Certainly only recommended for folks who are already fans of the musical.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compared to the 'companion books' for the musicals Hamilton, The Great Comet and The Book of Mormon, this is a bit of a disappointment. Although the photos are great and the full script/lyrics are included, the annotations are both sparse and somewhat superficial, and the other sections often veer into schmaltz and glad-handing. Still, as a souvenir for the popular Broadway musical, it's a worthy addition.

[Amanda Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tried to drag out this reading as long as possible so that it wouldn't end. It's impossible for me to listen to this show without sobbing; turns out reading it has the same effect. "What's your favorite Broadway show?" is a question I usually deflect with more questions, but I have a suspicion that when I'm 85 years old and barely remember my own name, I'll look back on many seasons of beloved shows and say, "Dear Evan Hansen."

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really pretty book inside. Huge, full-color full-page photographs, with the text strategically placed around them, gave an immersive feeling while reading. The history of how the show came into being was fascinating. I also loved the libretto and all the creators' comments in the notes. It was nice to have all the gaps filled in because, like the creators said, this really is a play with songs. I came away with a much deeper appreciation for the musical.

[Jadyn❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This show means the world to me and has done so much for me. Learning about its journey only made me love it even more. Dear Evan Hansen is my everything. Every second and every penny I've spent on it- the books, the music, actual tickets- I don't regret it at all and am thankful for all of it.
You Will Be Found :)

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s just so interesting to see how this show became. It’s no easy feat. A real inside look into the process, the songs, the meanings and I feel like I do understand the musical more. But the power of the music can be seen anywhere. It’s a work of art that Pasek, Paul and Levenson have put their soul into. Thank you.

[Kenza · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely amazing book if you’re a big fan of Dear Evan Hansen! You not only get to know all the people involved but also all the characters even more. Why did they decide to this? What does the actor think of the character their playing? All your questions will be answered! would recommend

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nowhere near the Hamiltome in size, scope, or amount of trivia, but it's full of pretty pictures and I love this play so much.

[Anna Smithberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very pretty production book.

[Leah B]

I am going to continue reading this book, and reading the articles about the play and actors. I've read the screenplay which was really cool!

[Happy Reading Watching · Rating 3 out of 5]

The reason I have it 3 stars was because it had more then one F bomb.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This musical speaks to me. I loved reading all the footnotes and details about it. It’s like a backstage pass to the creative process behind the development of a show.

[Caleb Abel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The musical is a 5/5. The book is very good but full of cliches as it pats itself on the back for how amazing the musical is.

[Lydia Newman]

Audiobook!

[Reagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dear Evan Hansen is the only show I've seen actually on Broadway and with a lot of the OG cast so it'll always have a special place in my heart. Loved the insights and tidbits especially on the lyrics and Conner's character.