A.R.T.'s musical 'Wonder' asks viewers to choose kindness

Being the new kid at school can be tough.

But for Auggie, a boy with a significant facial difference in the musical “Wonder”, fitting in is even more difficult. Auggie has been homeschooled his whole life by his mom. Now a 7th-grader, his parents want him to get a better education, become more independent and make friends, so he is enrolled in school. His journey cultivating connections, facing cruelty and inspiring others is at the center of this feel-good show, presented by American Repertory Theater through Feb. 8.

The dynamic world premiere boasts an excellent ensemble with impressive vocals and begs audiences to change the way they see the world. Based on R.J. Palacio’s novel of the same name (which was made into a film), the play is written by MacArthur Fellow and Pulitzer Prize-finalist Sarah Ruhl with music and lyrics by Ian Axel and Chad King, the Grammy-winning pop duo known as A Great Big World.

At Auggie’s school, the fictional Beecher Prep, the students learn a principle each month to help them better navigate the world. The kids learn that their deeds are their monuments. They’re also taught that when choosing between right and being kind, to choose kindness. It sounds simple enough, but peer pressure and bullying can sometimes make doing the right thing much harder.

Beecher pupils get a chance to put those principles to the test when Auggie comes to school. Played by Garrett McNally and Max Voehl, both of whom have facial differences, the super smart Auggie loves science and ice cream. Previously taught by his mom Isabel (Alison Luff), a children’s book illustrator, Auggie (portrayed by the talented Voehl when I saw the play) learned about outer space and spends his free time with his imaginary astronaut best friend Moon Boy ( portrayed by Nathan Salstone, who has a remarkable singing voice). In the number “3-2-1 Blast Off!,” an exciting introduction to the show and to Auggie’s world, the cast set a bubbly tone, clad in futuristic silver outfits by costume designer Linda Cho and set aglow by lighting designer Bradley King.

The cast and creative team — including scenic designer Matt Saunders, choreographer Katie Spelman, hair and makeup designer Rachael Geier, sound designer Cody Spencer, music director Ryan Cantwell and music supervisor Nadia DiGiallonardo — help bring the magic of the show together.

At school, Auggie makes fast friends with Jack (the fantastic Donovan Louis Bazemore), who shares his excitement about his newfound connection in the song “Best Friends,” and Charlotte (rendered by a hilarious Skylar Matthews), who has a crush on Jack. But even though Auggie makes headway with some of his classmates, it doesn't stop others, particularly Julian (Reese Levine) and Amos (Nicholas Trupia), from rejecting him and drawing a line in the tune “This Is War.” However, the caring adults in the community — including teacher Mr. Browne (Raymond J. Lee), fabulously corny science teacher Ms. Petosa (Pearl Sun) and principal Mr. Tuschman (Melvin Abston), who has an enviable collection of colorful New Balance sneakers — all work to make the school a safe and nurturing environment.

As Auggie learns to work through these challenges, his older sister Olivia, or Via for short (Kaylin Hedges), belts out a beautiful song expressing how much she longs for a life outside of her brother’s orbit in “Around the Sun.” She’s having her own teenage troubles that no one seems to ask about. She misses her best friend Miranda, portrayed by the singer Paravi (who is just as astounding in this role as she was in A.R.T.'s “WILD: A Musical Becoming” in 2021). Miranda isn’t talking to her and she doesn’t know why. Via auditioned for the school play and has also met a boy.

Though there are the normal coming-of-age problems, everything works out well for the characters in “Wonder.” And, while these kinds of syrupy sweet stories can be off-putting to some, I found “Wonder” to be refreshing, with its flying astronauts, hanging planets, catchy songs and superb acting. Director Taibi Magar knows how to create awe-inspiring, big musical moments, and her expertise helps the straightforward story unfold beautifully.

As Auggie’s world expands with new friendships and lessons, it also gets a little brighter with kindness.

A.R.T.’s world premiere production of “Wonder” runs through Feb. 8 at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge.