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REVIEW: American Repertory Theater’s world premiere an imaginative and optimistic ‘Wonder the Musical’

Posted on January 20 by The Sleepless Critic

A violet pixelated galactic sky is marvelously portrayed from a spaceship bed and that is only the beginning.

Garrett McNally delivers a moving portrayal as inquisitive Auggie whose vibrant imagination spans the vast cosmos. Born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, Auggie’s world has always been limited to home schooling. However, when Auggie is about to attend fifth grade, Alison Luff as Auggie’s practical mother Isabel insists he attend public school. With guarded optimism, Auggie ventures apprehensively on this new journey.

Nathan Salstone, Garrett McNally, and members of the cast of Wonder.
Photo: Hawver and Hall

Insightfully directed by Taibi Magar with Katie Spelman’s enchanting choreography and Ryan Cantwell’s uplifting music direction, American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) continues its world premiere of Wonder the Musical recently extended through Sunday, February 15 live and in person at Loeb Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This family-friendly and engaging production is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

In 2012, R.J Palachio’s first novel Wonder became a New York Times best seller before it was adapted into a heartwarming 2017 film of the same name starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay. It seems only natural that this remarkable story has now been warmly transformed into a compelling musical.

Wonder Production Photo Nathan Salstone, Javier Muñoz, Alison Luff, Garrett McNally, and Kaylin Hedges in Wonder.
Photo: Hawver and Hall

Though Wonder is not based on a true story, Auggie’s story draws from real life experiences of individuals who struggle with this craniofacial condition. It tackles bullying, prejudice, empathy and kindness, but what sets this intriguing musical apart is how it delves into perspectives. Auggie may be the central figure in this musical, but a large part of the story focuses on each character’s perspective and the unexpected struggles of those who seem to have it better than Auggie at first glance. Learning to walk in another’s shoes has never been so important.

Set designer Matt Saunders with lighting designer Bradley King richly articulates this glowing musical’s significant themes symbolically through a multicolored and animated pixilated landscape rhythmically peppering a revolving stage. These pixels can enhance, enliven and moderate the musical’s weightier scenes, but particularly illuminating Auggie’s amazing cosmic universe. Imaginative backpacks, colorful streamers, expressive T-shirts and detailed, fanciful costumes are just a sample of Linda Cho’s exuberant costume design.

Wonder Production Photo Alison Luff and Garrett McNally in Wonder.
Photo: Hawver and Hall

Wonder boasts its share of feel good moments featuring a strong cast. The chiming pop-infused score with lyrics and music by A Great Big World with Cody Spencer’s robust sound design keeps the show hopeful and optimistic even in the face of its heavier and poignant moments. Alison Luff as Isabel, Javier Muñoz as Nate, Kaylin Hedges as Via and Garrett McNally share a natural tight-knit chemistry facing the world as Hedges as Via affectionately calls her family ‘our little galaxy.’ There is a quiet earnestness built into this family when they step aside for one another. Hedges brings an affinity to this complex role with quiet yearning as Via through soaring vocals who consistently puts Auggie first in her solo, Around the Sun. Luff and McNally share a stirring bond in a fiddle-laden and powerful rendition of You are Beautiful.

Led by Melvin Abston as energetic Mr. Tushman, Beecher Prep School teachers share an idyllic infectious glee, enthusiasm, and occasionally lovable awkwardness as they navigate the curriculum with verve and charm.

Wonder Production Photo
Garrett McNally and Donovan Louis Bazemore in Wonder.
Photo: Hawver and Hall

Skylar Matthews charismatically shines as excitable and precocious theatre student Charlotte, especially during her engaging solo, You Didn’t Hear it From Me as she waltzes across the stage. Donovan Louis Bazemore seamlessly navigates conflicted Jack who brings warmth and sincerity to the number, Shoes. Paravi shows off sharp comedic timing while lightening a heartfelt moment with Hedges.

Garrett McNally (Auggie) and the cast of A.R.T.’s world-premiere production of Wonder bow in front of the Opening Night audience.

Nathan Salstone is no ordinary Moon Boy. From the exciting 3-2-1 Blast Off and throughout the production, Salstone’s mellifluous vocals and reflective demeanor with Auggie brilliantly elevates each scene.

Wonder is an intuitive, imaginative and heartfelt creation that celebrates the value of loyalty and friendship while sharing significant life lessons prevalent for all ages. You may step away from Wonder the Musical seeing a brighter world too.

American Repertory Theater continues its world premiere of Wonder the Musical recently extended through Sunday, February 15 live and in person at Loeb Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Fueled by a mesmerizing soundtrack, witness The Huntington and SpeakEasy Stage Company’s quietly stirring ‘The Band’s Visit’

Posted on December 1, 2023 by The Sleepless Critic

Imagine longing for a phone call from a loved one or the act of just mustering up enough courage to speak to a girl. Imagine welcoming a group of strangers to your table and into your private home for the night because they are in need of a place to stay. Think about that kind of selflessness and hospitality freely given without a second thought. These seemingly small acts of kindness make a big impact in The Band’s Visit.

Cast of The Band’s Visit; Photo by T Charles Erickson

Directed warmly by Paul Daigneault with mesmerizing music direction by Jose Delgado, The Huntington with SpeakEasy Stage Company presents The Band’s Visit by Itamar Moses through December 17. The show is 90 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

The Band’s Visit made its Broadway debut in 2017 with Tony Shaloub as Tewfiq and went on to win multiple Tony Awards. Much of this acclaimed show hinges on its eclectic and spellbinding music soundtrack which ties the band and the locals together, particularly essential when they are feeling misunderstood. This multi-talented onstage band certainly can jam especially for the numbers Soraya and Haj-Butras and receives some additional hidden accompaniment which is delightedly revealed in an unexpected way.

Set in 1996 in a small Israeli town located in the middle of the Negrev Desert where nothing unusual ever seems to happen, the townsfolk are dazzled by a traveling and stranded Egyptian band wearing distinguished powder blue uniforms by Miranda Kau Giurleu. The Band’s Visit is an unconventional and unassuming musical that quietly and most assuredly will open hearts and minds to the little things in life that are sometimes overlooked.

The Band’s Visit unveils heartache and hope in such a remote land that the locals may sometimes feel forgotten. Many aspects of Jimmy Stubbs and Wilson Chin’s nostalgic scenic design fondly rewinds the clock using iconic pieces of nostalgia while also evoking the isolated nature of the town which includes a towering lamp post, a phone booth richly and authentically detailed with fingerprints and grime on its plastic cover, and a deserted blue street with yellow stripes. One of the most memorable scenes recreates a retro roller skating rink equipped with multicolored lights, disco ball and DJ.

Jennifer Apple, Brian Thomas Abraham; Photo by T Charles Erickson

This production delivers many surprises and this intriguing cast is no exception. Brian Thomas Abraham wonderfully portrays modest orchestra leader Tewfiq. Abraham’s reserved Tewfiq expresses his art with charisma, but offstage, he is a man of few words. Guarded and mysterious, Abraham shares fascinating chemistry with Jennifer Apple, a natural as feisty divorcee Dina especially for the beguiling numbers Omar Sharif and Something Different. Stunning in a gorgeous red flowing burgundy frock, Apple captures Dina’s resilience and yearning for happiness beyond what this small town can offer but something is holding her back. Apple’s bright smile and intensity is particularly notable in a scene stealing incident slicing watermelon in It is What it Is.

Marianna Bassham, Andrew Mayer, Robert Saoud, James Rana, Jared Troilo; Photo by T Charles Erickson

Mariana Bassham, who has a history of impactful roles including a starring role in SpeakEasy Stage’s People Places and Things from 2022, is impressive alongside Jared Troilo as Iris, Itzik’s long suffering and resentful wife. Even in an uplifting scene involving household instruments, Bassham’s vacant expression and fatigue is the picture of indifference and discontented heartache as she stares into the abyss of a life unfulfilled. Troilo’s Itzik is warm and helplessly optimistic despite his family’s circumstances. Troilo has a powerful voice which is understated for this particular performance for a quietly tender Itzik’s Lullaby.

Noah Kieserman, Mac Ritchey, Jared Troilo; Photo by T Charles Erickson

The Band’s Visit also offers a mix of lighthearted comedic moments. Jesse Garlick shines as awkward and bewildered Papi for the zany number Papi Hears the Ocean as Josephine Moshiri Elwood as self effacing Julia looks on. Kareem Elsamadicy is much more than meets the eye as Haled in the smooth and lovely rendition of Haled’s Song about Love. Emily Qualmann as Anna and Fady Demian as Zelgar make an entertaining pair of partiers and Noah Kieserman delivers gorgeous vocals with the cast for the enthralling number, Answer Me.

Directed warmly by Paul Daigneault with mesmerizing music direction by Jose Delgado, The Huntington with SpeakEasy Stage presents The Band’s Visit by Itamar Moses through December 17. The show is 90 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.