ART’s musical ‘Wonder’ is promising, but imperfect

By Rich Fahey

CAMBRIDGE – In the American Repertory Theater’s world premiere production of the musical “Wonder,” the message is loud and clear.

 “Wonder” not only talks the talk but walks the walk in its plea for tolerance and kindness, especially for those who are different.

It’s not a perfect piece when it comes to the book and the score, but few new shows – and especially new musicals – are at the outset.

“Wonder” is the story of Auggie Pullman (Garrett McNally), a boy born with a facial difference, who after being home-schooled for six years, makes the difficult decision to attend a nearby private school; Max Voehl alternates in the role. The musical is based on the acclaimed novel “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio and the Lionsgate and Mandeville film “Wonder.”

The stage adaptation was written by Sarah Ruhl, with music and lyrics by the pop duo A Great Big World (Ian Axel and Chad King), who conjure up solo numbers for many members of the cast in a bid to give the characters their own perspectives of the journey they are all taking together.

After years of playing video games and immersing himself in science at home, Auggie is encouraged and supported to take the next step by mother Isabel (Alison Luff), older sister Via (Kaylin Hedges), a high schooler, and father Nate (Javier Munoz).                    

Before beginning seventh grade at Beecher Prep Academy, Auggie must take off the space helmet he has long used to hide his facial difference. At first, kindness is the order of the day, from a welcoming principal, Mr. Tushman (Malcolm Abston), an over-the-top chemistry teacher (Pearl Son) and a caring Mr. Browne (Raymond J. Lee). The study of monthly “precepts” is another step in creating an atmosphere of kindness.

Auggie finds a friend in Jack (Donovan Louis Bazemore), but middle school being middle school, there is also an undercurrent of cruelty from students Julian (Reese Levine) and Amos (Nicholas Trupia).

There is strong support from Paravi as Miranda, a friend of both Via and Auggie who withdraws from them because of family issues but later comes through for Via in a big way when it comes to Via’s relationship with boyfriend Justin (Diego Cordova).  Skylar Matthews is a hoot as Charlotte, a Beecher student whose outsized personality comes to the fore in many scenes.

“Wonder” is at its most wondrous when the cast – especially the youngest members —  are in full voice, and when the show’s strong production values put the best possible face on the book and score.

The versatile rotating set by Matt Saunders moves the action along briskly. Linda Cho’s costumes are spot-on and Bradley King’s bright, colorful lighting with its varied hues adds to the upbeat vibe.

Alas, both the book and the score are imperfect. Ruhl has created an imaginary astronaut called Moon Boy (Nathan Salstone) who commiserates with Auggie in his room and appears to him when he is under stress. The character distracts from the actual progress Auggie is making socially as he slowly gains confidence in himself and wins the acceptance of others. The ending comes off as more pandering than celebratory, especially after Auggie has survived and changed many perspectives along the way

The score by Axel and King is pleasant and at times effective, but there is also a sameness to it, and there are only a small number of songs that jump up and distinguish themselves in the score, with its19 musical numbers in all.  Hedges as Via performs “Around the Sun,” a testament to how often she feels neglected by her parents due to Auggie’s obvious needs, and McNally’s Auggie takes a cruel body shot at the end of Act I and expresses the hurt in “Black Hole.”

Director Taibi Magar has done some fine work at A.R.T. in the past and she has succeeded in coaxing some fine performances from her young cast.

Despite its imperfections, “Wonder” is blessed with a plethora of young talent, some very smart staging and choreography, and an upbeat message – choose kindness —  strongly and clearly sent.

The American Repertory Theater world premiere production of “Wonder.” Book by Sarah Ruhl. Music and lyrics by A Great Big World (Ian Axel and Chad King). Based on the novel by R.J. Palacio and the Lionsgate and Mandeville movie. Directed by Taibi Magar. Choreographed by Katie Spelman. Music supervision by Nadia DiGiallonardo. Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Cambridge. through Feb. 8. Tickets from $43. 617-547-8300. Americanrepertorytheater.org