The new musical Wonder, based on R. J. Palacio’s bestselling novel, follows 12-year-old Auggie Pullman as he faces his greatest challenge yet: attending middle school. Born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, Auggie has endured 20 operations and years of homeschooling. Now he must navigate the treacherous social waters of 7th grade at Beecher Prep.
Playing through February 8 at the Loeb Drama Center, this American Repertory Theater production features a book by Sarah Ruhl and a score by Ian Axel and Chad King (the Grammy-winning A Great Big World). While at times awkward in cramming in subplots, the musical is mostly an exuberant delight, brimming with heartfelt positivity and 19 songs that underscore its message of empathy.
The production’s most powerful choice is casting actors with facial differences—11-year-old Max Voehl and 16-year-old Garrett McNally alternate as Auggie, bringing remarkable authenticity. At the performance I attended, McNally conveyed Auggie’s hopes and fears with humor and emotional depth that made it hard to see where the actor ended, and the character began.
The narrative follows Auggie’s friendships and betrayals, particularly with best friend Jack (Donovan Louis Bazemore), as well as bullying from Julian (Reese Levine), who learns an important life lesson as a result. A parallel story traces Auggie’s effect on his sister Via (the remarkable Kaylin Hedges), who sings of being overlooked by their parents. Though some plot points feel rushed or underdeveloped, director Taibi Magar stages the show with speedy efficiency and great sensitivity to its themes.
The sterling cast delivers terrific singing and believable acting. Standouts include Alison Luff and Javier Muñoz as Auggie’s parents, and Kylie Mirae Kuioka, who steals scenes as an enthusiastic seventh-grade Sutton Foster wannabe. Matt Saunders’ sleek production design and Katie Spellman’s choreography make the show feel larger than life.
Despite narrative flaws, Wonder succeeds where it matters: delivering its message of kindness with genuine warmth and impressive performances that make it well worth seeing.
This review originally appeared on QulturVulture, a website examining culture from a queer perspective. This version has been edited for 1 Minute Critic.
4 out of 5 stars
It wants better content.
Fast facts: ‘Wonder The Musical’
Despite narrative flaws, Wonder succeeds where it matters: delivering its message of kindness with genuine warmth and impressive performances that make it well worth seeing.
- Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA
- Running time: Two hours and 20 minutes, one intermission
- Performances through February 8, 2026
