Local Stage: Tyler McCall Leads Strong La Mirada Run

Local audiences in La Mirada are witnessing a production that critics call a soaring triumph.

The current run of “Dear Evan Hansen” at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts has drawn top marks for its artistic execution and casting choices. The musical, which premiered over a decade ago, continues to resonate with modern themes of digital anxiety and adolescent struggle.

A central element of the review is the performance of Tyler Donovan McCall in the title role. McCall, a young actor from New York, is described as an impeccable lead who commands the stage with both physical presence and vocal power. The character of Evan is a 17-year-old outsider navigating a single-parent household and complex social dynamics. McCall’s performance is noted for its ability to convey vulnerability while projecting an underlying confidence. His vocal capabilities allow him to handle the demanding tenor range required by the score, particularly in numbers like “Waving Through a Window” and “For Forever.”

The production benefits from a strong ensemble cast of 12 performers who support the lead with skilled vocal work and character development. Notable performances include Analisa Idalia as Alana, who brings aggressive energy to the role, and Gabriel Vernon Nunag as Jared, a character who provides comic relief and sharp social commentary. The adult cast, led by Josh Adamson and Jill Van Velzer, brings depth to the roles of Evan’s parents, particularly in their depiction of grief. The group’s harmonies in the first-act finale “You Will Be Found” are singled out as a highlight of the musical arrangements.

Visual elements play a large role in updating the 11-year-old production for a modern stage. Projection Designer David Murakami uses the theater’s large LED screen to display oversized journal entries, social media feeds, and abstract geometric patterns. These visuals mirror the themes of loneliness and anxiety that drive the plot. The director and choreographer, Stephen C. Anthony, integrates these digital elements with the live performance to create a cohesive storytelling experience. The production is part of a recent trend at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, which has staged diverse musicals like “Sweeney Todd” and “Fiddler on the Roof” at a high level of execution.

The show is running through November 22 at 14900 La Mirada Blvd. in La Mirada. Performance times include 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays, and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays. Sunday matinees begin at 1:30 p.m. and evening performances start at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $15.95 to $132. Interested parties can reach the box office at 714-994-6310 or 562-944-9801, or visit lamiradatheatre.gov for more information.