#dehtoronto

Whether television, internet, radio, or the stage, Stephanie has done it all. She’s appeared on TV shows such as “Heartland” and “Backstage,” maintained an active YouTube channel, and participated in Theatre Aquarius’ production of The Sound of Music all while making her mark on the Canadian Country music scene. When she’s not performing, she loves going on adventures and spending time with her adorable dog, Lily. Find out all of Stephanie’s favorites below.

1.) Where did you grow up?

Ottawa, ON

2.) What’s your favorite line / lyric from Dear Evan Hansen?

“Did you fall? Or, did you let go?”

3.) What was the first show you saw (Toronto, Broadway, Tour, etc)?

The first show I saw was Mamma Mia! at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, ON when I was around 8 or 9, I think. I fell in love. I got the cast recording for my birthday and listened to it non-stop.

4.) What are you currently binge-watching on Netflix right now?

I always have “Friends” on repeat.

5.) What’s your favorite social media app?

Instagram! A picture can say a lot. - @steph_larochelle

6.) What’s your favorite song to sing in the shower?

Anything and everything. But, currently obsessed with “Shallow” from “A Star is Born” - so probably that.

7.) What’s your go-to Toronto spot?

Trillium Park. Gorgeous view of the city by the water.

Robert has portrayed a variety of characters at the Stratford Festival, but is thrilled to put on the iconic blue polo and become Evan Hansen. His Instagram is a portfolio of all his amazing roles, but if you look closely you’ll see some adorable pics of his dog, Ronald. Learn more about Robert below.

1.) Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Vancouver, BC.

2.) What’s your favorite line / lyric from Dear Evan Hansen?

“So let the sun come streaming in, 'cause you’ll reach up and you’ll rise again. Lift your head and look around. You will be found.”

3.) What was the first show you saw (Toronto, Broadway, Tour, etc)?

First show I remember seeing was in Vancouver. It was a local production of Puss in Boots. A show that made a lasting impression on me was Stratford's Oklahoma! in 2007. It was one of the largest productions I had ever seen. It was so well directed and the dancing was incredible. Plus, I had never seen a show on a thrust stage before.

4.) What are you currently binge-watching on Netflix right now?

Just finished “SALT FAT ACID HEAT” about to start the last season of “House of Cards.”

5.) What’s your favorite social media app?

Instagram!  - @rjbmarkus

6.) What’s your favorite song to sing in the shower?

Right now it's a lot of DEH stuff. But otherwise, anything from Meatloaf's “Bat out of Hell.”

7.) What’s your go-to Toronto spot?

Food! House on Parliament (Cabbagetown) or Golden Turtle (Lower Ossington)

David Jeffrey loves to travel, but also enjoys spending time catching up on his favorite TV shows. When he’s not binge-watching Netflix, he’s entertaining audiences on stage in Newsies, Rent, Spring Awakening, Next to Normal, and now Dear Evan Hansen. Read more about all of his passions, and what he is most looking forward to in Toronto.

1.) Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the small town of Medicine Hat, Alberta. It's three hours south of Calgary, and receives a lot of sun throughout the year. I loved growing up there, it's full of great people and has an active theatre community.

2.) What’s your favorite line / lyric from Dear Evan Hansen?

My favorite lyric from Dear Evan Hansen is in “Words Fail.” "I'd rather pretend I'm something better than these broken parts, pretend I'm something other than this mess that I am." Simply because I feel like at some point in our lives, we have all felt this way. I think it's such a brilliantly written lyric on top of incredible music, I get goosebumps every time I hear it. My favorite scene in the show, however, is the first exchange between Evan and Zoe in the song “Waving Through a Window.” I was not smooth with the ladies in high school, and the scene resonates with me because I'm reminded of myself.

3.) What was the first show you saw (Toronto, Broadway, Tour, etc)?

The first professional production I ever saw was The Phantom of the Opera, in New York City. I had perfect seats, and I was blown away by the production.

4.) What are you currently binge-watching on Netflix right now?

I just finished my fifth re-watch of “Lost” (the greatest show of all time), and have since started “Glitch” and “Bates Motel”, both of which are absolutely incredible. I cannot get enough of them!

5.) What’s your favorite social media app?

I hate to give a predictable response, but my favorite social media app is Instagram. Followed by Facebook and Snapchat, and then Twitter. I use and enjoy all of them, though! - @david_jeffery

6.) What’s your favorite song to sing in the shower?

My current go-to shower song is “Castle on the Hill” by Ed Sheeran. A close second would be “The Room Where it Happens” from Hamilton.

7.) What are you looking forward to checking out in Toronto?

As someone who has never even been to Toronto, I am most excited to see the scenery! Take in the culture. Try new food, attend a Leafs game, take in other theatrical productions, and meet and talk with the people there who can recommend things to me!

Zachary Noah Piser is no stranger to big cities like Toronto. Currently residing in the Big Apple, Zachary has been seen in quite a few notable shows including Sweeney Todd, Godspell, and Broadway’s Wicked.  Follow along to find out more about him.

1.) Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the Bay Area in a city called Piedmont, CA.

2.) What’s your favorite line / lyric from Dear Evan Hansen?

At this moment in time, my favorite lyric is: "If you never get around to doing some remarkable thing, that doesn't mean that you're not worth remembering" from “Disappear.”

3.) What was the first show you saw (Toronto, Broadway, Tour, etc)?

The first show I ever saw was a touring production of Fiddler on the Roof in San Francisco when I was 5. The rest is history!

4.) What are you currently binge-watching on Netflix right now?

“The Haunting of Hill House,” “The Office” & “The Good Place”!

5.) What’s your favorite social media app?

Instagram!!! - @zach_piser

6.) What’s your favorite song to sing in the shower?

Anything Adele, Sara Bareilles, The Gabe Dixon Band, or Lake Street Dive

7.) What are you looking forward to checking out in Toronto? Delicious Toronto food(s)! I am an uber foodie :)

From a very young age, Sean has always be interested in the performing arts. He’s participated in productions of The Sound of Music and Fiddler on the Roof at the Stratford Festival and appeared on television shows such as “Schitt’s Creek” and “The Detectives.” Watch him play guitar with his brother on his favorite social media platform—which one’s his favorite? Keep reading to find out.

1.) Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Stratford, Ontario!

2.) What’s your favorite line / lyric from Dear Evan Hansen?

"When you're falling in a forest and when you hit the ground, all you need is for

somebody to find you."  - Disappear

3.) What was the first show you saw (Toronto, Broadway, Tour, etc)?

Technically a production of Cats in 2006. However during the opening number a cat came down the aisle and sat on my lap, which scared me out of the auditorium. So the first full show I ever saw was Oliver at the Stratford Festival in 2006.

4.) What are you currently binge-watching on Netflix right now?

If I'm being honest, “The Office” for the 6th or 7th time.

5.) What’s your favorite social media app?

Instagram! - @heyimsean

6.) What’s your favorite song to sing in the shower?

"What I've Seen" by Allen Stone

7.) What’s your go-to Toronto spot?

Rosedale Diner! Always a great experience.

As an avid traveler, Erin Breen has spent the last ten years performing on stages around the world. She has appeared in Seussical, City of Angels, A Christmas Carol, and Chariots of Fire to name a few. Follow along to learn more about Erin.

1.) Where did you grow up?

I grew up in St.Albert, just outside of Edmonton.

2.) What’s your favorite line / lyric from Dear Evan Hansen?

“Your mom isn't going anywhere, your mom is staying right here, no matter what...I'll be here.”

3.) What was the first show you saw (Toronto, Broadway, Tour, etc)?

The first show I can remember seeing in Edmonton was a tour of Phantom of the Opera when I was about 8. Epic! I ended up playing Christine in a Webber review a few year ago which was a little dream come true.

4.) What are you currently binge-watching on Netflix right now?

Last binge watch was “Chef's Table.”

5.) What’s your favorite social media app?

Fave social media app is Instagram. I have Twitter but I don't really know how to tweet. - @vintagebreener

6.) What’s your favorite song to sing in the shower?

“She Used to be Mine” from Waitress or “Burden Down” by Jennifer Hudson.

7.) What’s your go-to Toronto spot?

Fave Toronto spot for wine and friends is Paris Paris on Dundas and Ossington ORRRRR in my hood of Parkdale, The Shameful Tiki Room!

It’s been twenty years since she last stepped on the stage and Claire couldn’t be more excited to return to the theatre. You’ve probably seen her in one of your favorite binge-worthy shows like, “House,” “Degrassi,” or “Suits.” Check out Claire’s favorite shows, one of which she can’t wait to return, below.

1.) Where did you grow up?

I grew up on Prince Edward Island, moved to Toronto, then to Los Angeles and New York and now back to Toronto.

2.) What’s your favorite line / lyric from Dear Evan Hansen?

I honestly don’t know yet. Have to get back to you on that one.

3.) What was the first show you saw (Toronto, Broadway, Tour, etc)?

Grew up going to see musicals at the Charlottetown Festival and then joined the company when I was 16. First show I saw in Toronto was Cats at the Elgin Theatre. I loved it. 

4.) What are you currently binge-watching on Netflix right now?

Recently finished “Bodyguard,” “Glow,” and “Bloodlines.” Eagerly awaiting season 2 of “The Crown.”

5.) What’s your favorite social media app?

Twitter - @iamclairerankin

6.) What’s your favorite song to sing in the shower?

I’m more of a bubble bath girl and it’s a quiet place of relaxation for me.

7.) What’s your go-to Toronto spot?

I grew up on an island and then lived for many years in California so I love The Beaches.  Nothing like Burnt Marshmallow ice cream from Ed’s Real Scoop and a stroll on the boardwalk.

A Toronto native, Jessica has spent many years acting abroad, so she’s excited to return home for Dear Evan Hansen. Just a few of her many theatre credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Sound of Music, and Pollyanna. Jessica has also cultivated a beautiful garden, which you can check out on her Instagram. More fun facts below.

1.) Where did you grow up?

Toronto

2.) What’s your favorite line / lyric from Dear Evan Hansen?

TOTAL TOSS UP BETWEEN “Today is going to be an amazing day, and here’s why.” And “...Till it all feels so small.”

3.) What was the first show you saw (Toronto, Broadway, Tour, etc)?

I can honestly not remember. I’ve been taken to the theatre since I was a dot. I’m guessing it was A Midsummer Night’s Dream in High Park, but honestly I couldn’t tell you when. Probably their first production in 1983 haha! I just feel like I’ve never NOT seen that. The first show I actively remember and made an impression on me was Guys and Dolls at Stratford. Life changer.

4.) What are you currently binge-watching on Netflix right now?

“Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” and “Once Upon A Time”

5.) What’s your favorite social media app?

Social mediaphobe. But if I have to say something I guess say insta? - @jessica_like_the_tank

6.) What’s your favorite song to sing in the shower?

“Day Dream Believer”

7.) What’s your go-to Toronto spot?

My favourite hidey hole is the Bathurst Local if it’s amazing cocktails and the best people you’ll ever meet. For a more age-inclusive, it’s the Skyline Restaurant in Parkdale – amazing day vibe, night vibe, brunch vibe, and the staff are the BEST!