November Music with Gil Harel: Taboo Topics on the Broadway Stage, The Deep Impact of Dear Evan Hansen

At the 2017 Tony Awards, Dear Evan Hansen cemented its status as one of the most important works of the early 21st century canon. Nominated for 9 awards, it won 6, including the most coveted prizes (Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, as well as Best Actor awards for Ben Platt and Rachel Bay Jones). This musical is unique in that the opening scenes present audiences with a combination of topics that had been relatively taboo or novel in musical theater: mental health struggles, teen suicide, and the challenges faced by young people growing up in a world dominated by social media. The audience is also presented with a protagonist (the titular Evan) of dubious moral character, who, through his words and deeds, often causes and exacerbates the suffering of those around him. 

During this program, Professor Gil Harel will discuss the undeniable power of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul's score. For this is a score which teems with lyrics and harmonies that elicit strong emotional reactions, and thus, work exceedingly well at bringing audience members into what unfolds on stage. 

About the Presenter

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from western classical repertoire to jazz and musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching").

Currently, he is Professor of Music at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he has been presented with the AFT "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College" for 4 consecutive years. In 2020, he was honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.