12 Amazing Musicals Like Dear Evan Hansen
Last Updated: May 6, 2025
Have you been obsessing over Dear Evan Hansen since you first listened to the cast album or saw the musical? Are you a so-called, “Fansen”? If you’ve listened to the songs one too many times, here are some wonderful musicals like Dear Evan Hansen to fill the void!
Musicals Like Dear Evan Hansen
Music: Tom Kitt Lyrics/Book: Brian Yorkey
Musical Type: Contemporary (2008)
There are many similarities between Dear Evan Hansen and Next to Normal. Most notably, there are a overlapping themes of mental health and teenage struggles. And if you love the music from Dear Evan Hansen, you’ll probably love the music from Next to Normal too.
Music/Lyrics: Joe Iconis Book: Joe Tracz
Musical Type: Contemporary (2015)
If you’re looking to get into another musical that focuses on relatable teenage struggles, Be More Chill might be your best bet! Be More Chill also deals with high school social status, awkwardness, and the idea of not fitting in.
Music: Duncan Sheik Lyrics/Book: Steven Sater
Musical Type: Contemporary (2006)
Continuing on with teenage themes, Spring Awakening is a must for all “Fansens”! The music is a pop-rock score, emotionally heavy, and filled with touching moments, just like the music of Dear Evan Hansen.
Music/Lyrics: Benj Pasek, Justin Paul Book: Peter Duchan
Musical Type: Contemporary (2012)
Since Dogfight was written by Pasek and Paul, the duo who wrote Dear Evan Hansen, you’ll find a good number of similarities in the music of this show. So if you’re just looking for something similar in terms of musicality, give this one a listen!
Music/Lyrics: Benj Pasek, Justin Paul Book: Joseph Robinette
Musical Type: Contemporary (2009)
A Christmas Story has made the list for the same reasons as above (mainly because it’s written by Pasek and Paul). So again, this is not a musical like Dear Evan Hansen in terms of story. But if you like the music in DEH, you’ll probably like the music in A Christmas Story.
Music/Lyrics: Jason Robert Brown Book: Dan Elish, Robert Horn
Musical Type: Contemporary (2007)
13 is not that similar to Dear Evan Hansen in terms of musicality. But it is similar in that it also deals with teenage themes, coming of age, and young relationships. Also, the lead’s name is Evan, so they have that in common too!
Music/Lyrics/Book: Jason Robert Brown
Musical Type: Contemporary (2001)
If you love Dear Evan Hansen for the emotionally gorgeous songs throughout, chances are pretty high that you’re going to like The Last Five Years as well. Although the story is in no way similar, there is a vibe in the music that parallels the one in DEH.
Music: Tom Kitt Music/Lyrics: Lin-Manuel Miranda Lyrics: Amanda Green Book: Jeff Whitty
Musical Type: Contemporary (2011)
Here’s a great musical that also deals with teenage perspectives and high school moments. It also has a super energetic pop score, which you’ll probably like as well!
Music: Julianne Wick Davis Lyrics/Book: Dan Collins
Musical Type: Contemporary (2022)
Trevor shares the emotional depth of Dear Evan Hansen, exploring the challenges of adolescence with a focus on identity and self-discovery. Both musicals offer a closer look at the struggles of youth, highlighting the importance of acceptance and understanding.
Music: Tom Kitt Lyrics/Book: Brian Yorkey
Musical Type: Contemporary (2014)
And speaking of musical similarities, If/Then has quite a few of them too! The songs are just beautiful, and there are lots of emotional moments you can relish as well.
Music/Book: Damon Intrabartolo Lyrics/Book: Jon Hartmere
Musical Type: Contemporary (2000)
Bare and Dear Evan Hansen share overlapping themes of youth, relationships, and finding a sense of belonging. And although some of the songs lean a bit more rock, others also have that soft musicality that’s more in the style of DEH.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Music: Dan Gillespie Sells Lyrics/Book: Tom MacRae
Musical Type: Contemporary (2017)
Both Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Dear Evan Hansen touch on the complexities of adolescence, exploring themes of identity, acceptance, and self-expression. The music in both shows is emotionally charged, making them relatable to today’s young audiences.
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Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She holds a BA in theatre and a TESOL drama certificate, with experience working and interning in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
