TJC Theatre to perform popular Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen”
TYLER, Texas — The letter was never meant to be read by anyone — yet its existence draws high school senior Evan Hansen into a family’s grief over the loss of their son. For Evan, this tragic situation gives him the chance of a lifetime: to belong. A simple lie leads to complicated truths in this big-hearted coming-of-age story of grief, authenticity, and the struggle to belong in an age of instant connectivity and profound isolation.
“On the outside, looking in. Will I ever be more than I’ve always been?” —Evan Hansen
Be a part of “Dear Evan Hansen,” a powerful, emotional look at modern isolation, social anxiety, and human connection. This Tony Award-winning musical enjoyed a six-year run on Broadway and was a smash hit with theater audiences.
Presented by the TJC Theatre Department at the Jean Browne Theatre on the College’s main campus, “Dear Evan Hansen” runs Wednesday through Saturday, Oct. 7-10, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Attendees are advised that the musical contains mature themes and is not suitable for all audiences.
Cast and Student Production Team
Director: Jacob Davis
Musical Direction: Charles Praytor
Cast:
Evan Hansen — Dylan Neve of Sunnyvale, TX
Heidi Hansen — Lauri Davis (Alumnus ’05)
Zoe Murphy — Lyric Wolfe of Kaufman, TX
Connor Murphy —Joshua Cota of Overton, TX
Cynthia Murphy — Julianne Casey (Alumnus ’16)
Larry Murphy — Charles Praytor (Alumnus ’08)
Jared Kleinman — A.J. Soto of Emory, TX
Alana Beck — Jamie Luna of Ferris, TX
Stage Manager: Nathaniel Franklin of Troup, TX
Director’s Assistant: Kenedee Fischer of Forney, TX
Tickets can be purchased for “Dear Evan Hansen” at the Box Office, beginning Sept. 30, 2026, at the Wise Cultural Arts Building, open Monday through Friday from 3-5:30 p.m. For more information call 903-510-2212 or visit TJC.edu/TheatreTickets.
Music and lyrics for “Dear Evan Hansen” by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul; book by Steven Levenson. This musical is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
For additional information regarding the performances, contact Shawna Lynch at shawna.lynch@tjc.edu.
About TJC
Tyler Junior College is a comprehensive public community college located in East Texas. It was founded in 1926 and is celebrating its 100thanniversary, offering a wide range of programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and workforce or vocational training. TJC offers more than 135 programs of study in areas including arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology and trades, and it helps both traditional students and adult learners.
TJC serves almost 20,000 students annually across its credit and non-credit programs, with more than 16,000 in credit programs and nearly 4,000 in continuing studies. TJC strives to provide an outstanding educational experience that prepares students for success in their careers and communities.
Throughout its 145-acre central campus and multiple sites, TJC features rigorous academics, 70 national athletic championships, stellar fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, along with organizations and clubs that promote student engagement and diversity.
For more information visit: TJC.edu.