Artist Spotlight: Meet Michael Fabisch of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’

Dear Evan Hansen makes its Muny — and Midwest regional — premiere this summer, and at its heart is an actor who already has a deep connection to the title role. Michael Fabisch returns to the character of Evan after starring in the national tour, where he made his post-collegiate debut.

He will step onto the Muny stage for the first time in this landmark production.

Fabisch joins a powerhouse cast of Muny favorites — Jackie Burns (Heidi Hansen), Maggie Lakis (Cynthia Murphy), Rob McClure (Larry Murphy) and Savy Jackson (Alana Beck) among them — in this contemporary coming-of-age story about connection, identity and the fragile beauty of being human.

We caught up with Fabisch during a rehearsal break to talk about revisiting the role of Evan, what makes this staging special and why this story continues to move audiences — and him.

Q • This is your first time performing at The Muny. How are you enjoying the experience? 

A • It’s amazing. I walked out onstage with Rob McClure, and he showed me the house. My mouth was agape — it’s huge! Most stages have numbers that go from, like, 16 to 16, but these go from 50 to 50. And it’s such a culture of kindness and play and creativity and love. There’s something about this show that really brings that out of people. It brings out forgiveness and real authenticity. As soon as you step into the room, everyone feels like they don’t have to put on anything. This show is just so human. 

Q • You’re not new to your character. What do you love about playing Evan? 

A • He’s kind of me. I really aligned with the story of feeling like an outsider and feeling like you don’t belong anywhere. I think everybody does, you know? And to be able to bring that to people and to bring that kind of relatability is just a joy. To play someone who feels their emotions so strongly is just a pleasure, and it’s so cathartic — for me and for the audience.

Q • What’s it like to step back into Evan’s shoes? 

A • It’s really nice because I was able to think about it for a while. I went straight from rehearsal and then onto the tour for eight months. And then I didn’t have any time to really breathe. The two months before this gave me some time to reflect on the show and the character. And it helped me realize what I wanted to do and what I wanted to bring to this new staging. We have a chance to do something different — it’s enough for me to feel like I’m creating something. 

Q • How did you react when you learned you got this role at The Muny? 

A • Oh my God, I was thrilled. I got the call from my agent, and they were like, “So, you’re going to be playing Evan at The Muny.” And I screamed at the top of my lungs. And I told my girlfriend — Hatty Ryan King, who played Zoe on the last tour — and she was jumping for joy. She was probably more excited for me than I was. I was excited because I heard that this community was just really special. And I’ve felt it while I’ve been here. 

Q • Evan is a complex character. Has your perspective on him changed over time? 

A • There’s a public perception of Evan — of judging him — and I think I came into rehearsal with that baggage. And over the course of the show, I realized it’s not about the mistakes he makes. It’s about why he does it, and he does it to make everyone feel better. He’s not doing it for himself — he’s doing it to comfort this family who lost their son. We’re all going to make mistakes, but we have to learn to live with them. And that’s part of what the show’s about — he has to keep going. If we judge him — and this is something that Rob McClure said to me — then Evan is going to become Connor. But if we’re able to forgive Evan, and we’re able to empathize and forgive him for his mistakes, then he’s going to be better in the long run and become a better person.

Q • Do you have a favorite song or scene? 

A • I love “To Break in a Glove.” It’s especially amazing with Rob McClure. It’s just so sweet. I have a strong relationship with my dad, so it always brings me a lot of joy to do that song because I remember having those bonding moments with my dad. “To Break in a Glove” just feels like pure joy. 

Q • What do you want audiences to take away from this show? 

A • I want audiences to take away hope. A lot of people say it’s a sad show, but I think ultimately it’s about hope and it’s about connection and it’s about reaching out to people and forgiveness — forgiving yourself, forgiving the people around you. There are so many things to take away from this show. If you come, you will take something away, I promise you.

Q • This is a demanding role. How do you get ready before a performance? 

A • Maybe like five cups of Throat Coat, and I nebulize. And I take a moment to take a deep breath. But ultimately I’m bringing myself. I just have to make sure that I’m in the right mental space to be able to go through this journey, because it can be tough.