In brief: Glasgow actor Reece Folan has stepped in to lead Jersey Green Room Theatre Company’s production of Dear Evan Hansen after the original lead withdrew just two weeks before opening night. Folan had recently completed the same role at Glasgow’s King’s Theatre, making him what director Nick Carver called “an extraordinary piece of good fortune.” The show opens at Jersey Arts Centre on 24 October.
A Last-Minute Save Worthy of the Stage
If you needed proof that theatre thrives on drama both on and off the stage, look no further than the Jersey Green Room Theatre Company’s frantic fortnight. Original lead Joshua Scott withdrew from the production to take up a year-long performing opportunity overseas, leaving the company scrambling to find a replacement with the clock ticking loudly.
The company pursued no fewer than 13 potential leads in its search, determined not to pull the production from its schedule. That search ultimately led them to Reece Folan, who had, by remarkable coincidence, just finished playing the very same role of Evan Hansen at Glasgow’s King’s Theatre.
Director Nick Carver was understandably effusive. “To discover that Reece had just finished playing Evan in Glasgow was an extraordinary piece of good fortune,” he told Bailiwick Express. “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome him to Jersey. It’s an exciting moment for the whole company, and we can’t wait for audiences to see what he brings to the role.”
Carver was also gracious about the departing Scott: “Joshua was a valued part of this production, and while we’ll miss having him with us, we’re delighted that he’s been offered such an exciting opportunity overseas.”
About the Show
For those unfamiliar with it, Dear Evan Hansen is no lightweight piece of musical theatre. A winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the show tackles loneliness, grief, family, mental health, social media and the universal desire to belong. It centres on Evan Hansen, an anxious teenager who fabricates a friendship with a deceased classmate following a tragic suicide.
Director Carver first saw the musical in the West End in February 2020, shortly before lockdown, and the themes of isolation and loneliness clearly took on added resonance in the years that followed. It is a bold choice for a community theatre company, and one that speaks well of Jersey Green Room’s ambition.
Folan joins a cast that includes River Scott, Alice Veitch, Hannah Jacques, Jake Osborne, Paul Harris, Hugo Jones and Harley Drelaud. The production features an eight-piece live band led by musical director Luke Brown, with choreography by Victoria Gordon.
Dates and Tickets
Dear Evan Hansen runs for ten performances at Jersey Arts Centre from 24 October to 1 November. Tickets are available online.
Source: Bailiwick Express
