"Dear Evan Hansen" is beautiful in its complexity

If you go see “Dear Evan Hansen” (and you should), bring a box of tissues and an open mind.

“Dear Evan Hansen” has been one of my favorite Broadway musicals since I first listened to the soundtrack and read through the script about four years ago. Three years ago my best friend and I were able to go to Denver for the first performance of the national tour. So when I heard a film version was being made, with Ben Platt reviving his Tony-winning role as Evan, I was excited.

Despite my excitement, I was also a little skeptical. Sometimes stage musicals don’t translate well into films and I became...