Alter High School's Courage Through Performance

“Dear Evan Hansen” is a Tony Award winning Broadway musical about a socially isolated high school student who struggles with anxiety and ability connect with his peers. After his classmate dies by suicide, the world of Evan Hansen becomes complicated by guilt and a desire to belong.

When I became aware that Alter High School’s student theater department, The Castle Players, was preparing to present “Dear Evan Hansen” to the community, I was impressed by the school’s willingness to embrace the tough conversation surrounding mental health issues. Selecting this play was an intentional opportunity to shed light on some very hard topics affecting far too many.

I often write about my family’s loss to suicide hoping that our story can reach others who’ve experienced similar pain. Two of my brothers, Pat and Neil succumbed to debilitating sorrows. I use every chance I can to honor them through messages of hope. Still, their absence from our lives is hard. Suicide leaves a very complicated grief in its wake. Questions linger for eternity with few good answers.

Death by suicide among teens is especially alarming. Through my community efforts to expand mental health awareness, I’ve come to learn the best chance we have to make a difference in irradicating the epidemic of suicide among teens is to lean on the wisdom and commitment of teens themselves. Peer to peer support can be a game changer.

I was invited to attend a “Dear Evan Hansen” rehearsal at Alter High School and talk with several cast members. I willingly accepted and was immediately drawn to the performers’ energic talents. I was moved to tears by the apparent commitment each student had to offer their individual best for a communal message of good.

Following the rehearsal, some of the show’s performers eloquently described how “Dear Evan Hansen” brings light to the difficult world of adolescence. They described how the play normalizes the spectrum of emotions that teens must navigate. The audience is given a chance to relate to different characters who represent the vast spectrum of angst related to mental illness. For some, it may be the music that echoes in the deep and hidden cervices of the heart. Possibilities for compassion to arise might facilitate a sense of belonging in a complex and confusing world. The actors went on to say this show is a good way to reach people who otherwise wouldn’t seek mental health awareness portals.

The cast members’ willingness to illuminate the challenges of their generation through artistic expression is infectious. They are forthcoming about the common trials among their peers. Feeling inadequate can stilt personal growth and creative expression. Self-worth can become contingent on comparisons instead of believing you are enough just the way you are.

I asked the show’s performers what they hoped the audience would take away from their performances. In solidarity, they all agreed. They want to remind others that being yourself is enough. They hope the show reminds everyone suffering from hidden pain that you are not alone. There’s always someone in your corner. They also noted that people in attendance might realize they need this message of hope more than they think. The goal is to make others feel less alone.

The Alter Castle Players conversation left me humbled and proud. The readiness of these high school students to infuse light into the dark world of mental struggle is courageous and contagious. The world needs their light. I can only imagine how their extraordinary talents and bold mission might help others find a place of belonging and acceptance. I invite you to join me in supporting the superstars of Alter High School who are determined to make the world a more welcoming place. Performances will frun from September23-27. Ticket information can be found at  alterhs.booktix.com