Even from a tender age, Evan A. Kaushesh knew he wanted to be on the stage.
After watching his older sister perform in The Little Mermaid at age three, he caught the theater bug. Not long afterward, he landed the title role of Mowgli in The Jungle Book — and he’s been chasing that passion ever since.
Now the rising young actor is taking on one of musical theater’s most demanding roles, starring as Evan Hansen in the Arden Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of Dear Evan Hansen, running through Sunday, July 5, to close the Arden’s 2025-26 season.
Directed by Terrence J. Nolen, the Tony Award-winning musical follows an anxious high school student whose desperate attempt to belong spirals into a life-changing deception. With beloved songs including “Waving Through a Window” and “You Will Be Found,” the show continues to resonate with audiences for its honest exploration of loneliness, mental health, and the universal desire to be seen. Dear Evan Hansen was created by the Broadway and film team Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. This production is polished, emotional, melodic, and gripping — everything you want in a show and more!
For Kaushesh, the role is deeply personal. “I think there’s a part of Evan that all of us can recognize in ourselves,” he explained. “He’s complicated, flawed, and just desperately wants to connect.”
For a young man, Kaushesh already has an impressive list of theater credits to his name. Regional: David in Amongst the Pile: NewWorks Presentation (The Phoenix Theatre Company); Henry in The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Mouse King in The Nutcracker: A Musical(Arizona Broadway Theatre). Other credits: BennySouthstreet in Guys & Dolls, Cosmo Brown U/S & Ensemble in Singin’ in the Rain, Dippy in Anything Goes (Hale Centre Theatre AZ); Beethoven in Dog Sees God, Micheal Mell in Be More Chill, Paul San Marco in A Chorus Line (Desert Stages Theatre); Shakespeare in Something Rotten, Jack in Into the Woods(Scottsdale Community Players).
The following is an exclusive Q and A with Evan Kaushesh:
Why did you want to play Evan Hansen?
Evan Hansen is such a misunderstood character, and I think there’s a little bit of him in all of us. At the beginning of the show, he’s terrified to even answer the door for a delivery person. Then, for the first time in his life, he’s given a chance to connect and feel seen. That’s something almost everyone can relate to.
What drew me most to the role is how morally complicated Evan is. Some audience members leave feeling deep compassion for him, while others tell me they can’t stand him. Neither reaction is wrong. As an actor, I love that. My job isn’t to tell people how to feel—it’s to live truthfully in the story and let each person decide for themselves.
Why do you think this show still resonates with audiences?
We live in a world dominated by technology, and although Dear Evan Hansen premiered 10 years ago, its message feels even more relevant today with social media and AI shaping how we communicate.
The show reminds us that genuine connection matters. It encourages us to put down our phones, have real conversations, and be honest with the people around us. If the characters had communicated more openly, many things might have unfolded differently. Ultimately, that’s what makes the story so powerful.
When did you graduate from high school?
I graduated in April 2025 after finishing high school online. After my sophomore year, I told my parents I wanted to devote as much time as possible to theater, so I completed my education through an Arizona online program.
Ironically, I graduated during tech week for a production I was performing in. I accepted my diploma, celebrated with my class, and then went straight back to the theater. That felt like the perfect way to graduate.
When did you know theater was your future?
I was lucky to discover it early. I grew up in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and there wasn’t a lot to do besides sports or theater. My older sister was in The Little Mermaid, and when I saw her perform at age three, I told my mom, “I want to do that.”
I started performing when I was four. My first role was Mowgli in The Jungle Book. It was a camp production, but to me it felt enormous. From that point on, I never seriously considered doing anything else.
Did you have other interests?
When my family moved to Scottsdale, I played basketball for a few years, but theater was always where my heart was.
How important was your family’s support?
Everything I have is because of my parents’ support. My dad is a dentist, and my mom worked in biology before becoming my biggest supporter and manager. Once they saw how much performing meant to me, they never questioned my path.
I know many young actors are encouraged to choose something more practical, but my parents believed in me completely. Without them, I probably still would have found theater eventually, but I don’t think my journey would have looked anything like it has.
What was it like when your parents finally saw you as Evan Hansen in this production?
It was incredibly emotional. They came to several preview performances because they’ve listened to me sing these songs since I was 11 years old.
I used to perform Waving Through a Window and Words Fail in our living room, wearing a fake cast made of toilet paper. They also took me to see Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway years ago, so seeing me step into the role meant a lot to all of us. Now they’re bringing my grandparents, aunts, and family friends to see the show. It’s become a real family celebration.
How familiar were you with Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s work?
I’ve loved their music for years. Dogfight is one of my favorite musicals, and of course, The Greatest Showman and La La Land are incredible. They have an amazing ability to establish the emotional tone of a song almost instantly. That’s a real gift.
Recently, we performed for Benj Pasek’s family, who have seen Dear Evan Hansen more than 20 times. They told us that even though the score never changes, every cast brings new meaning to the music. Hearing that meant a great deal.
Do you see your future in theater, television, or film?
Right now, the theater is where I feel most at home. I do have a New York agent and have auditioned for television and film, and I’d love those opportunities if they come along. But at this point in my career, I see myself primarily on stage, especially since there are so many exciting roles being written for young actors.
What other shows would you love to do?
The Outsiders and The Lost Boys are both at the top of my list. They have incredible rock scores and compelling stories. I also love seeing classic movies adapted for the stage. Productions like Back to the Future and The Devil Wears Prada prove that those adaptations can really work. Even after performing Dear Evan Hansen more than 55 times, I still feel like I’m discovering new things about Evan. I’d happily play him again someday.
Why should audiences see this production?
Our production strips everything down. The entire show takes place with just two tables and four chairs. Without elaborate scenery, the audience focuses entirely on the characters and their relationships. It’s raw, intimate storytelling.
People often tell me the show is uncomfortable to watch—and I think that’s intentional. Theater often helps us escape reality. Dear Evan Hansen asks us to confront it instead. It’s an emotionally challenging experience, but also a deeply rewarding one. I think audiences will leave thinking about these characters—and themselves—long after the curtain comes down.
For tickets and information, contact
215-922-1122
40 N. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
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