'It's insane, it's unreal': Wauwatosa West High School Theatre makes history

Wauwatosa, WIS. (CBS 58) - Wauwatosa West High School's Theatre program is making history, becoming the only high school in the nation to produce and perform Dear Evan Hansen: High School Version.

"It's insane, it's unreal, it is unlike anything I've ever done," said Evan Hryniewicki, who plays Evan Hansen in the play Dear Evan Hansen: High School Version.

Adam Steffan, the high school's theatre director, has been collaborating with Music Theatre International and the authors of a tony award-winning Broadway musical for months. Together the group worked hard to produce the hit play, Dear Evan Hansen for the first time on a high school stage.

"Dear Evan Hansen is a show written for 8 actors, but our production, the high school version has 24 actors," said Steffan.

Producing the pilot show holds an extra weight for Steffan and his students, including for senior and ensemble cast member Maddie Ullsperger.

"I know people who have struggled, I've struggled myself," said Ullsperger. "Everyone has a struggle and it's so very important for people to be able to relate with what they are seeing on a stage."

The play brings to life serious topics of mental health, including depression, suicide, bullying and substance use.

What we are talking about is heavy, but it's important," said Steffan. "These are conversations that take place at the high school and what an opportunity it is to be able to do it through the lens of theatre."

At the center of the production is Evan Hryniewicki, taking on the role of Evan Hansen at just 16-years-old.

"It still shocks me that I'm the first person in the whole nation to do this," said Hyrniewicki. "It’s a big deal and it’s a lot of pressure."

Hryniewicki and the rest of the cast taking the pressure of the two-and-a-half hour show in stride.

However, it wasn't an easy journey for this cast and crew to prepare. This August right before the start of the school year, the school's theater suffered major damages from historic flooding.

"It's been a struggle for a few of us for sure," said Hryniewicki. "The theater was getting rebuilt, so we had to have rehearsal in the lunchroom and the orchestra room and it's different. It’s a big change especially with a show this heavy."

The theater filled with water and mud, all while the clock kept ticking leading up to opening night on November 14th. This caused Steffan to get creative during their rehearsal hours, so they could take advantage of every minute.

"From flood to fabulous is what I've been saying," said Steffan. "I remember back in that time it was tough being in here it was really hard to see our space, but we are back and I think better than ever."

Sarah Labonte, the school's mental health specialist, says the opportunity to start the conversation and shine a light on mental health is what kept students motivated.

"It's more than just a theatre show," said Labonte. "It's a collaboration between theatre and art and empathy.

The school leaving their mark by creating a show that will live on through high schools across the nation, while leaving their community with a message they will carry forever.

"Help is never too far, you are not alone," said Hryniewicki.