"Dear Evan Hansen" A Magnum Opus at the Ahmanson Thru November 25

Do not pass go do not collect 200 go directly to the Ahmanson Theatre to revel in the awe inspiring, mind blowing magnum opus, “Dear Evan Hansen,” now playing through November 25th.

“Words Fail,” one of the tantalizing tunes, says it all. There are no words to describe this phenomenal presentation. It will touch you on a core level, inside and out, from head to toe, illuminating your mind body and spirit, moving you at once to laughter and to tears. In other words, expect a transformational experience!

I’m not surprised it won six Tony Awards in 2017 (including Best Musical), the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album in 2018, as well as numerous other awards, and broke all box office records after opening to rave reviews at the Music Box Theatre in NYC on December 4, 2016.

Considering the first-rate talent behind this memorable masterpiece: a book by Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson (the maestro of it all in my book); a score by Grammy®, Tony® and Academy Award® winners Benj Pasek & Justin Paul (“La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman”);direction by four-time Tony® Award nominee Michael Greif (“Rent,” “Next to Normal”), it’s no wonder, “Dear Evan Hansen” has already shattered all weekly box office revenue records in Ahmanson and Center Theatre Group’s over 50-year history!

If there was an award for perfection, it would definitely be the top and sole contender!!

The “Dear Evan Hansen” first national tour cast features Ben Levi Ross in the title role. Stage and TV star Jessica Phillips plays Heidi Hansen. Tony Award nominee Christiane Noll plays Cynthia Murphy and Broadway veteran Aaron Lazar plays Larry Murphy. Marrick Smith and Maggie McKenna round out the Murphy family (as Connor and Zoe, respectively), while Jared Goldsmith as Jared Kleinman and Phoebe Koyabe as Alana Beck complete the on-stage company. Each performer is impressively noteworthy in their own right.

Ben Levi Ross is pure genius, carrying the entire show. He will enrapture and capture you at hello. A ball of fire and exuberance, he’s sure to penetrate the deepest confines of your soul. You’ll be magnetized by the notion that he’s a bit of all of us and there’s a bit of all of us in him.

Everyone can relate to the universal sensations in the script, e.g. “I wish I was part of something. I wish anything I said mattered. Would anyone notice if I disappeared tomorrow?”

Similarly with lyrics to the songs, e.g. “Have you ever felt like nobody was there? Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere?”

(Spoiler alert if you live in a vacuum and haven't heard a word about this marvel) The richness and astuteness of how the delicate subject matter of suicide is handled offers a delightful treat, while hopefully making an impact on the audience.

The message here is poignant important and critical. If we would only listen, I mean really listen, there’s a chance to save the planet from eminent extinction, due to our lack of empathy compassion and connection. It’s time to recognize that “no one deserves to be forgotten.”

Last but not least, I must give kudos to Austin Cook, the skilled music director/conductor/keyboardist. He’s a musical wiz who brilliantly guides the on stage orchestra to a powerful rendition of the Benj Pasek & Justin Paul score, which in and of itself is sterling and exemplary.

Don’t delay since you will probably want to make multiple visits to this tour de force.

Tickets for “Dear Evan Hansen” are available by calling (213) 972-4400, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, or by visiting the Center Theatre Group Box Office located at the Ahmanson Theatre. Tickets range from $99 – $285 (ticket prices are subject to change). The Ahmanson Theatre is located at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles, 90012.

Here’s the inside scoop, the best kept secret in town, for money strapped aficionados. Fans can submit for the chance to purchase a limited number of $25 tickets available per performance.

The digital lottery will begin accepting entries 48 hours prior to each performance and entries will be accepted until 9 a.m. local time the day before the performance. Fans who have been selected will be notified daily via email and can then purchase up to two (2) tickets at $25 each.

The ticket lottery will continue on a rolling basis for every performance in the engagement. All entrants are encouraged to follow “Dear Evan Hansen” on Instagram (@dearevanhansen), Twitter (@dearevanhansen) and Facebook (@DearEvanHansen) for additional lottery news and information.