Performances have begun for the musical stage adaptation of the children’s book “Wonder,” about Auggie Pullman, a child with facial difference who starts going to public school.
The American Repertory Theater hosts the world premiere, featuring music and lyrics by the duo A Great Big World, book by Sarah Ruhl and direction by Taibi Magar. The show is in previews until its sold-out official opening show Dec. 17 and plays through Feb. 8 – plenty of time for whoever will benefit from its big heart and message of empathy.
The fictional story about a boy with a real genetic syndrome – Treacher Collins, which can affect the ears, eyes, cheekbones and chin and cause breathing, sight and hearing problems – began as a 2012 novel by R.J. Palacio and became a 2017 film with the star power of Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay. (The film screened Saturday at the Cambridge Public Library.) The story has taken on a life of its own as the musical progressed, with Palacio writing several sequels and inspiring kids with Treacher Collins to write their own stories.
“It’s an incredibly relatable story,” said actor Nathan Salstone, who plays Moon Boy – a character created for the musical adaptation to embody Auggie’s inner self.
“In a world and a country that is so unbelievably divided, having this show on stage with people who have craniofacial conditions, people who come from all different walks of life, and with a score as soaring and magical as A Great Big World has written, it feels like it was just meant to be made into a musical.”
The show found young actors with facial differences, Max Voehl and Garrett McNally, to perform the lead role, Auggie. But the story about childhood is universal, Salstone said, and he believes it will resonate deeply with audiences of all kinds.
“This is just a very pure, healing show for everyone’s inner child – which, as I say it, it sounds like I’m talking about the past. In actuality, no matter how old one is, you’re always holding hands with your younger self, no matter what situation you’re in, whether you’re willing to admit it or not. I think that really influences the way we work and walk around in this world,” Salstone said.
As Auggie navigates kindness and cruelty in school, his experiences are written and directed to resonate with audiences, particularly during this political moment.
“I think this show is an expression of radical joy and kindness and tells a beautiful story about how our differences can bring us closer together than our similarities,” Salstone said. “If we just open our eyes to hearing or seeing somebody else’s view of the world and having compassion and empathy in a time where we are so divided, it is needed now more than ever.”
“Wonder” is in previews, opens officially Wednesday and continues through Feb. 8 at the American Repertory Theater’s Loeb Mainstage, 64 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge.
This post was updated with updated information from the American Repertory Theater and some of its preferred theater terms.
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