“You Will Be Found” Pandemic Tribute: A Virtual Embrace for Isolated Souls

“You Will Be Found,” a poignant anthem from Dear Evan Hansen, took on new meaning in 2020 as the world faced the isolating reality of the pandemic. Its themes of loneliness, hope, and connection resonated more deeply than ever, and TheatreSourceLA channeled this powerful message into a collaborative video featuring LA-based actors performing the song from isolation. In a time of widespread uncertainty and distance, this project served as a virtual embrace, reminding us that, even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone.

As each actor—Rachel Rhodes-Devey, Kristin Towers-Rowles, Kristin Farrell, Shari Webb Wylder, Erin Baltzar, Amanda Greig, Daniel Koh, Jared Svoboda, Suzanne Mayes, Paige Stewart, Lexi Eisserman, Richardson Cisneros-Jones, Devon Davidson, Justin Patrick Meyer, Henry Alexander Kelly, Jewell Valentin, Renee Wylder, and Brayden Hade—recorded their part from separate spaces, the collaboration became more than a performance. These isolated voices came together as a community, unified by the song’s message. The individual recordings merged to form a collective harmony that broke through the loneliness and uncertainty many were feeling.

Exploring the Theme of Loneliness

The opening lines—”Have you ever felt like nobody was there?”—hit hard during the pandemic when isolation and invisibility were common emotions. These words mirrored the experience of countless individuals struggling with the disconnection brought on by lockdowns and separation from loved ones. The song’s initial tone captured this raw vulnerability, creating an instant connection with viewers who, like the performers, were feeling the strain of isolation.

Hope and the Power of Connection

As “You Will Be Found” progresses, despair shifts to hope. Lines like, “When you don’t feel strong enough to stand, you can reach out,” carried a sense of empowerment and comfort, serving as a reminder that support was still accessible—even if only through screens and digital interactions. The line, “someone will come running,” emphasized that even in physical separation, emotional connection endured.

Each performer’s face appeared in frames that, while physically distanced, felt close and deeply personal. Visuals of sunlight streaming in from behind some of the performers echoed the song’s message of hope breaking through darkness, a metaphor for the resilience everyone was trying to summon amid challenging times.

A Tribute to Healthcare Workers and First Responders

The dedication of this performance to healthcare workers and first responders added another powerful layer. These frontline heroes were, during those early days of the pandemic, some of the few people physically “there” for the vulnerable, risking their own safety to care for others. By honoring them, TheatreSourceLA acknowledged the courage and compassion that was holding communities together in the face of unimaginable challenges. This tribute added emotional weight to the already moving song, aligning with the central message of unity and resilience.

Collective Strength in Times of Adversity

As the song reached its climax, with all voices coming together in harmony, it became a unifying call to everyone listening. Lyrics reminding us that we are all “in this together” underscored the collective experience of navigating hardship. While each performer was physically alone, the virtual chorus symbolized a community of voices reaching out across the distance, providing comfort and solidarity.

A Message of Hope and Unity

In the midst of unprecedented loneliness, TheatreSourceLA’s rendition of “You Will Be Found” became an uplifting anthem of strength. It was a timely reminder that while isolation and fear are deeply felt, they can be overcome through compassion, connection, and community support. For the artists and viewers alike, this tribute offered solace and a sense of belonging, reinforcing that even in isolation, we are never truly alone.

In TheatreSourceLA’s heartfelt pandemic project, the following performers joined together, each recording from their own space, to bring the comforting anthem “You Will Be Found” to life:

• Rachel Rhodes-Devey
• Kristin Towers-Rowles
• Kristin Farrell
• Shari Webb Wylder
• Erin Baltzar
• Amanda Greig
• Daniel Koh
• Jared Svoboda
• Suzanne Mayes
• Paige Stewart
• Lexi Eisserman
• Richardson Cisneros-Jones
• Devon Davidson
• Justin Patrick Meyer
• Henry Alexander Kelly
• Jewell Valentin
• Renee Wylder
• Brayden Hade

These talented artists came together virtually to share a message of resilience, community, and hope during a time when many felt isolated and disconnected. Their dedication and artistry transformed this digital performance into a powerful tribute, offering viewers a reminder that, even in the darkest times, connection and support are always within reach.