University Music Center: Leuphana Students Bring Hit Musical to the Stage
2026-07-06 The award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen” will premiere in October in the Central Building. Talented students from all degree programs will sing, dance, and act in the three performances. They will be accompanied by a 13-piece live orchestra, also made up of students. A musical preview of the show will be presented as part of the Dies academicus ceremony on Wednesday, July 8, starting at 6 p.m. in the Central Building.
“Dear Evan Hansen”—these are the opening words of the letters a shy high school student writes to himself. On the advice of his therapist, he writes motivational letters to himself. After the tragic death of a classmate, one of these letters is misunderstood: Evan is suddenly mistaken for the deceased’s close friend. What begins as a mistake gives him a sense of belonging for the first time—but the consequences of a single decision keep growing.
Mathis Schräder stars in the title role. The student in the Digital Media bachelor’s program is thus fulfilling a long-cherished dream. “It was my childhood dream to one day perform on stage in a musical,” he says. He brings a wealth of musical experience to the role: He has been playing the piano since childhood, sings tenor in the Leuphana Chamber Choir, and has already appeared on stage in the production of “Carrie” at the Theater Lüneburg.
The 22-year-old is investing a lot of time in this demanding lead role: his part alone includes twelve songs. “I’ve made significant progress vocally and as an actor through the rehearsals and coaching, and I’m really looking forward to the performances this coming October,” he says. A total of 13 students will be on stage in solo roles and as part of the chorus.
Behind the scenes, Giovanna Diaz Zinsel ensures that the production runs smoothly. The student teacher, who is majoring in German and general studies, is also pursuing a second degree program at Leuphana: Cultural Studies with a focus on cultural management. “I’d like to work in music management later on. ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ is a great opportunity for me,” she says. As production manager, she communicates with the cast, creates casting schedules, organizes rehearsals, and maintains the director’s log. She also brings musical experience to the table: Giovanna Zinsel played the saxophone in the Leuphana Big Band for many years.
Christoph Trauth will direct the production; he has previously worked on major musical productions in Stage Entertainment's casting department, including “The Phantom of the Opera”. Together with music director Rebecca Lang and choreographer Jessica Jäde, he is developing the production.
University Music Director Rebecca Lang is convinced of the cast’s potential: “We have very talented students here. That’s why we’re able to put together a project of this scale.”