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Tony and Grammy award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen” comes to the Vilar Performing Arts Center Feb. 25-26. It is one of the largest Broadway tours the Vilar has ever hosted.

The musical, which hit Broadway in 2016, was the first to delve into the complexity of social media’s effect on people’s lives. The story revolves around Evan Hansen, a high school senior who suffers from severe social anxiety. After a classmate ends his life, Hansen lies about being friends with the student and helps start a nonprofit in his honor as a way of fitting in. The poignant, funny and powerful musical portrays how people can find each other — and themselves — even though it can be hard.

“Obviously, we are dealing with heavy topics, but I think a part of what keeps the story engaging is that you are seeing each of these characters handle the heavy subject matter in their own way, and there is a lot of humor to be found within this young boy who is struggling to fit in and struggling to come up with a story that is going to help out this family (the Murphy’s) in their time of tragedy,” said Caitlin Sams, who plays Cynthia Murphy. “I think the writers did a really good job making sure that there is levity and a lot of humor.”

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The story alternates between groups of characters, including adults dealing with the loss and students, who bring more lightness. Cynthia, who is completely heartbroken over the loss of her son, wears her emotions on her sleeve, requiring Sams to remain in a very vulnerable place, literally eight shows a week.

“It’s hard … (but) in certain ways, I think it’s a good exercise for me to have this dedicated time where it’s encouraged for me to cry,” she said, adding that audience members should also bring tissues.

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Yet, the musical imparts hope.

“Everybody that I’ve known who has come to see this show, they were like, ‘Oh my gosh, I needed my tissues,’ because if we’re doing our jobs correctly, it should be very moving, but, ultimately, they walk away wanting to talk about the show more and thinking about why Evan did what he did,” she said.

“We’re going to take you apart, but we’re going to put you together again,” said Jeff Brooks, who plays Larry Murphy.

The music plays a large role in uplifting audiences and carrying them through.

“It’s so lush and thrilling to listen to. I think that is a big part of what draws people to the show and has them leaving feeling very inspired,” she said. “The harmonies are so intricate and so satisfying to listen to. … There’s not a dud in the whole show. Every single number not only is fantastic, but is so different in its own way. There are no two songs that are the same, or even feel the same, and that’s a testament to the composers themselves and the performers portraying these roles. They’ve all done a really good job of carving out a unique aspect to each other’s characters.”

Each song also forwards the plot. One of the anthems of the show is “You’ll Be Found,” which acts as a theme.

“(It’s) really trying to make people, in whatever they’re going through and whatever suffering they think they have to handle all by themselves, (know) there is somebody there who is willing to support you and to see you through that,” she said

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Brooks also points out how well-written and shaped each character is.

“I think that the real hope that the audience is going to excavate from this is going to be in their attachment to Evan,” he said. “Every one of the characters is connected to Evan in some way … so the audience can find what it is that each of these characters is finding in Evan and what Evan represents for them. Then, they’ll get a little bit more of that message of hope, as they watch Evan’s story unfold.”

Part of what resonates with audiences is the fact that each character conveys a unique and distinct side of the story.

“I think there is somebody in the show that anybody can relate to, and I think that’s why it’s become a popular show for parents and young adults or teenagers to see together, because there really is somebody that you’re going to see yourself reflected in the show somewhere,” she said.

And, the national tour remains true the Broadway production.

“There’s been no removal from the original. We are as powerful and dynamic and emotional as the original piece, and anyone who saw it on Broadway and/or on the first national tour have all said that they were absolutely pleased with this piece, and it was really wonderful to watch,” Brooks said.

Bringing “Dear Evan Hansen” to Beaver Creek requires modifications in the Vilar’s lighting and projection systems to accommodate such a large show. For instance, backdrops must be set from a variety of angles. Yet, it’s a challenge the crew welcomes. The venue already had upgraded its sound system a couple years ago and continues to improve through recent lighting upgrades, such as LED wash fixtures to provide a gorgeous glow over the stage.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to test the theater’s capacity in a variety of ways,” said Owen Hutchinson, Vilar’s artistic director.

“Dear Evan Hansen” follows the Vilar’s legacy of presenting Broadway shows, which include “CATS,” “RENT,” “Rock of Ages,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and more.

“We are thrilled to continue the tradition of presenting Broadway in our theater this winter by hosting this acclaimed musical,” said Cameron Morgan, the Vilar’s executive director. “This production not only brings some of the most recognizable songs from contemporary musical theater, but also touches on mental health, a relevant and timely topic for our mountain community.”