“Sincerely, Manila:” Dear Evan Hansen Cast Officially Announced by GMG Productions

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Breathe in. You will be found.
And in this version of the story, it is you—the Filipino theatergoer—who is about to be found.

GMG Productions has officially unveiled the full international tour cast for Dear Evan Hansen's Manila season, with previews beginning September 4 and a newly announced final extension to October 5, 2025, at The Theatre at Solaire.

A musical about loneliness, digital lives, grief, and the ache of wanting to belong, Dear Evan Hansen hit Broadway with a punch that still reverberates across generations. Now, with its long-awaited arrival in Manila, the story breathes anew—in all its tenderness, its trembling silences, and its terrifying honesty.

MEET EVAN (AND HIS PEOPLE)

Taking on the title role is Ellis Kirk, returning to the role of Evan Hansen after a celebrated run in London’s West End. This time, he brings the blue polo and arm cast to Manila, tracing Evan’s delicate unraveling with a performance that's already been called “devastating and luminous.”

Rebecca McKinnis steps in as Heidi Hansen, the mother who holds it all together—until she can’t. If you saw her as Margaret New in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, you know her voice breaks and heals at once.

Rounding out the Murphy family:

  • Zoë Athena as Zoë Murphy

  • Helen Anker as Cynthia Murphy

  • Hal Fowler as Larry Murphy

  • Rhys Hopkins as Connor Murphy

They don’t just play characters. They form the mirror Evan tries to live inside.

You’ll also meet:

  • Tom Dickerson as Jared Kleinman

  • Olivia-Faith Kamau as Alana Beck

  • Sonny Monaghan as Alternate Evan

With ensemble members Jake Halsey-Jones, Sheri Lineham, Joseph Peacock, Annie Southall, and Ashlyn Weekes—each of whom has toured with major UK productions and carry a rhythm of breath, silence, and song that makes Dear Evan Hansen sing even in its quietest moments.

FROM THE WEST END TO SOLAIRE

This production is part of the UK international touring company, with creative direction by Adam Penford (Artistic Director, Nottingham Playhouse). The visual world—equal parts suburban and surreal—is shaped by Morgan Large’s set and costume design, Ravi Deepres' video co-design, and Matt Daw’s piercing lighting design.

If you’ve heard Waving Through a Window, you know it isn’t just a song. It’s a cry—and Carrie-Anne Ingrouille’s choreography lets that cry ripple through limbs and tensioned backs and trembling hands.

And yes, the voices? Overseen by Matt Smith (musical supervisor) and Michael Bradley (music director), with Laura Llewellyn-Jones managing the orchestra. The sound you’ll hear is full and raw, but clean. Just like Evan.

“YOU WILL BE FOUND” — IN MANILA

GMG Productions CEO Carlos Candal shared:

“We’re pleased to officially introduce the cast bringing Dear Evan Hansen to Manila. It’s always exciting to bring a major production like this to the Philippines. We’ve assembled a fantastic cast, and we’re looking forward to seeing how audiences connect with their performances.”

With the Filipino premiere of Hamilton and a homegrown staging of Come From Away under its belt, GMG Productions is already the house of theater for Manila’s world-class musical moments. And with Dear Evan Hansen, they are inviting you into something even more intimate.

WHY THIS MUSICAL, NOW?

In an age of curated posts and comments turned confessions, Dear Evan Hansen remains more relevant than ever. It is a letter to the outcasts, the overthinkers, the people who scroll endlessly at night hoping for connection.

It doesn’t offer easy answers. But it does offer a hand.

DEAR READER, MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

📍 Dear Evan Hansen
📍 The Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque City
📍 September 4 – October 5, 2025

Presented by GMG Productions with UnionBank of the Philippines as official season sponsor.

For updates and exclusive announcements, follow @gmg.productions or visit www.gmg-productions.com.

And to the one reading this:
Today is going to be a good day. And here in Manila, you’re not waving through a window anymore.

All photos © Marc Brenner

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