Dominic Pecikonis adds new depth to Connor in Dear Evan Hansen
See Connor Murphy in a new light
MAY, 2026
Since the show's premiere, Connor Murphy has existed as the ‘ghost’ of Dear Evan Hansen—a volatile, misunderstood high schooler whose death sets the story in motion. But in Zach Theater's production, actor Dominic Pecikonis and director Dave Steakley reimagine Connor as a nonbinary person, bringing new dimension to a character whose inner life is typically left to the imagination. This intentional casting turns a familiar plot point into a vital, urgent conversation about the cost of not being seen.
Dominic Pecikonis, who plays Connor, first raised the idea in callbacks. "I could see where my 'in' was with the character and relating it with my experience," said Pecikonis. "Gender not being affirmed—that's why Connor is struggling."
By reframing the character, audiences get a deeper insight into Connor's experience and the forces that shaped them.
"I think this brings sympathy to Connor because it's been years of ignoring their problems, which is why they have grown into this unpredictable, angry person. In the few moments we see Connor alive, it makes sense why they are so angry—they're not even being affirmed in their identity, and they're dealing with mental health that isn't being taken seriously."
DOMINIC PECIKONIS, ‘CONNOR MURPHY’ ACTOR
Small moments throughout the show underscore the way Connor’s identity is handled by the people around them, both before and after their death. Alana, Connor’s “close acquaintance,” is the first character to use Connor's pronouns. "She's not talking about if Connor is a good or bad person, but she is referring to them as they see themselves," Pecikonis notes. "We're not making Connor suddenly a good person, but we're shifting the conversation to Connor being a person, deserving of respect."
For Dave Steakley, Producing Artistic Director, this is exactly the kind of story Zach exists to tell, especially here in Texas. “I see it as a part of the reason why we make this work. We’re about building community. Community looks like everyone in this room, and a lot of folks who aren’t in this room,” said Steakley.
"My job is to get these doors open and welcome everybody who calls this city home," he said. "Any opportunity to create transformational conversations that are meaningful for us is an extraordinary privilege."
DAVE STEAKLEY, DIRECTOR
And when the casting was announced on social media, that conversation sparked immediately. While some had doubts about changing the original source material (a change that was formally approved by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and Steven Levenson, the show’s creators), the sentiment was overwhelmingly positive.
Pecikonis underscores the importance of empathy and affirmation as a lifesaving act, and puts the central question plainly: "There is so much growth in the people around Connor after they are already gone—but what can we do before we get to that point? What can we give kids while they are still here?"