After three successful performances, Idaho State University's production of Dear Evan Hansen returns for its final weekend, with performances June 18, 19, and 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bistline Theatre at the Stephens Performing Arts Center.

The production, co-directed by Dr. Diana Livingston-Friedley with music direction by Dr. Geoff Friedley, began with an open family conversation sparked by a recommendation from their daughter.  And has resulted from months of collaboration by a large team of performers, musicians, stage crew members, stage managers, sound and lighting personnel, costume and set designers, front-of-house volunteers, facilities staff, community sponsors, and supporters. Bringing a production of this scale to the stage requires extensive planning, rehearsals, technical preparation, and teamwork from dozens of individuals working both onstage and behind the scenes.

For Dr. Diana Livingston-Friedley, the musical has held a special place for years. After her daughter attended a Broadway performance and brought home the cast recording, she found herself drawn to both the music and the story.

"She was explaining why each song was being sung and how it fit into the story," Livingston-Friedley said. "I remember thinking this must be a great musical."

Dr. Geoff Friedley, the music director for the production, believes one of the show's greatest strengths is how the music and storytelling work together.

"Every song propels the story forward," Friedley said. "The music isn't just entertaining—it serves the story."

Livingston-Friedley noted that Dear Evan Hansen continues to resonate with audiences because of its exploration of belonging, relationships, and the universal desire to be understood. Those themes are brought to life through the combined efforts of the entire company—from the cast and orchestra to the stage crew, technicians, designers, volunteers, facilities personnel, and community sponsors whose support helps make productions like this possible.

While audiences see the actors and musicians during each performance, the production team emphasizes that the show's success depends on many contributors whose work often goes unseen. From stage crew members managing scene changes to technicians operating sound and lighting, facilities personnel preparing the theater, volunteers assisting patrons, and sponsors supporting the arts, each person plays an important role in bringing Dear Evan Hansen to life.

The production serves as a reminder of the importance of connection, empathy, and support. Themes explored in the musical—including loneliness, mental health struggles, family relationships, parenting challenges, and the difficulties of communicating honestly—are relevant to many people. Parents, educators, counselors, and community members may recognize aspects of their own experiences reflected on stage. The story encourages audiences to consider how small acts of kindness, understanding, and compassion can affect others' lives. Ultimately, it reminds us that every person's existence matters, that each individual possesses inherent worth and dignity, and that meaning and purpose can often be found through our relationships, our contributions to others, and our willingness to remain connected even during life's most difficult moments.

The production also highlights the beauty that can emerge when a community works together. Just as a theatrical production depends on the combined efforts of performers, musicians, technicians, designers, volunteers, facilities staff, and sponsors, strong communities are built through cooperation, compassion, and a willingness to support one another through life's challenges.

With only three performances remaining, audiences still have an opportunity to experience this moving and thought-provoking musical before the curtain falls.

Remaining performances: June 18, 19, and 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Bistline Theatre, Stephens Performing Arts Center, Idaho State University