Photos by Hawver and Hall
“Wonder”. Book by Sarah Ruhl. Music and Lyrics by A Great Big World (Ian Axel and Chad King). Directed by Taibi Magar. Presented by American Repertory Theater, 64 Brattle Street, Cambridge, through February 8.
By Michele Markarian
“I like ice cream, outer space and video games,” Auggie (Garrett McNally), a typical seventh grader, tells us at the beginning of “Wonder”. Auggie, however, has a facial difference that sets him apart from other kids, making him a target of bullying and ostracization. For years, his mother, Isabel (Alison Luff), has been homeschooling him, but now she fears he has more to learn than what she can teach him. To counter this, Isabel has enrolled Auggie in middle school, much to his dismay. While his oversized space helmet and invisible friend Moonboy (Nathan Salstone) keep him feeling safe at home, they won’t serve Auggie well at school. Auggie’s sister Via (Kaylin Hedges) is also on edge. As the sibling of someone whose facial differences account for a lot of his parents’ attention, Via doesn’t always get her fair share; the fact that her best friend Miranda (Paravi) isn’t speaking to her for unknown reasons doesn’t help. Miranda, as it turns out, is having a hard time dealing with her parents’ divorce. As one of Auggie’s teachers, Mr. Browne (Raymond J. Lee) likes to say, “Be kind, for everyone is fighting an invisible battle.”
Which is really the point of the entire musical – be kind. It’s a simple message, but an effective one that wins in the end, despite the bullying behavior of seventh graders (and even one of their parents). In our current world, where bullying and hatred are de rigeur, the message is a welcome surprise. And while the songs aren’t particularly memorable, the vocal talent is, particularly Kaylin Hedges, Nathan Salstone and Paravi, who sing with heart and feeling. The kids who play Auggie’s classmates are energetic and rife with talent; you get the sense that they’re having a blast, despite their characters hating each other ( especially in the spirited “This is War”). Skylar Matthews, as Charlotte, charmingly opens Act Two with a gossipy “You Didn’t Hear That From Me,” and Garrett McNally, as the much-maligned but never self-pitying Auggie, steals the show with his performance.
“Wonder” is based on a bestselling children’s book by R.J. Palacio of the same name. One that I have admittedly never heard of or read, but judging by the number of excited children in the audience, many have (including the adult who accompanied me). Apparently, there is also a “Wonder” movie. My unfamiliarity with the franchise did not take away from my enjoyment of the show, which, if it’s in the cards, will do well on Broadway. Although I often roll my eyes at the ubiquitous standing ovation that seems to happen at literally every Boston curtain call, this time there was no question as I jumped to my feet, along with the rest of the audience. You will, too. For more information and tickets, go to: https://americanrepertorytheater.org/shows-events/wonder/
