EDITOR’S NOTE: Cass Huff is a special needs student at Mt. Rainier High School. In 2016, she was named “Citizen of the Year” by the City of Burien. Hey B-Town Readers, If you know me personally, you know that I am obsessed with all things Broadway. My ultimate goal is to be on Broadway one day. There are a couple Broadway shows that I love, one of them being the six time Tony award winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen. I had heard about Dear Evan Hansen and it’s fantastic reviews and soundtrack before, and I knew the general plot of it. But I never would’ve thought that this musical would’ve had as big of an impact as it did. On Thursday, January 24th, I was blessed enough to go see the show, and I don’t think that the word phenomenal even begins to explain it. From the casting choices, to the acting itself, to the actors, plot, songs, set, and every decision that went into the production and appearance of this show was clearly well thought out. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Everyone who goes to see this show can relate to it in some way. No matter your age, race, gender, or anything else, you can take something away from this amazing production. Dear Evan Hansen (without any spoilers) brings up a lot of topics that every day youth struggle with today. It covers the struggles of high school, isolation, anxiety, depression, suicide, single parents, relationships, friendships, the wonderful side and the dangers of social media, lies, self esteem, and I’m sure there’s a lot more I’m probably forgetting. It portrays the reality of highschool and the mindsets of youth perfectly. It explains the struggles that we face and how our problems feel so big when we’re in the middle of them. One of my favorite songs in the soundtrack is called “You Will Be Found”. My favorite lyric is actually the chorus that repeats several times: “Even when the dark comes crashing through, when you need a friend to carry you, and when you’re broken on the ground, you will be found.” It’s about being in a dark place and reaching out to someone, they will come running to help pick you up off the ground. The whole play centers around being okay with yourself and how sometimes, that can take some time to figure out how to love yourself. The main character, Evan Hansen, writes a letter to himself every day telling himself why that day is going to be a good day. That’s what I want to do in this blog, for anyone who maybe isn’t having the best day or needs to hear some encouraging words today. Here it is:

Dear Whoever May Be Reading This: Today is going to be a great day, and here’s why: Today, you’re you. And that’s enough. I know it might not feel like it, but you have so many people around you who love and support you. You are on this earth to lead an amazing life, and that can mean whatever that means to you. You might not think so, but you are beautiful, you are incredible, and you are here for a reason. You are talented and have something to offer the world. Even when it seems like the whole world is against you, I guarantee you one person is in your corner, you. “So let the sun come streaming in, ‘cause you’ll reach up and you’ll rise again.” And remember, you are here to be you. Someone loves you for who you are. Even when you feel like letting go sometimes, hold on. Just for a little longer, because all of this will seem so small, later on. There is a reason to believe you’ll be okay. Hold on. Sincerely, Me
Best Wishes, Cass]]>

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