‘Wonder’ Review: A Show to ‘Change the Way We See’

Since its publication in 2012, R. J. Palacio’s “Wonder” has spent a combined 10 years on The New York Times Best Seller List — about 70% of its lifetime. The children’s novel, which was adapted into a movie in 2017, follows Auggie Pullman — a boy with a facial difference — as he attends mainstream school for the first time. While supported by his loving family, Auggie is reluctant to face the nerve-wracking social challenge of interacting with his fellow middle schoolers at Beecher Prep. Meanwhile, those around him go through their own social and familial struggles as they all see Auggie in different ways.

It’s no wonder that the musical adaptation of “Wonder” has had its world premiere at the American Repertory Theater, which is committed to engaging theatergoers’ open-mindedness and empathy. The original production, which had its opening night on Dec. 17, has turned out to be a fantastic adaptation. Not just for kids, attendees of all ages have something to learn from Auggie’s (played by Garrett McNally and Max Voehl, depending on the performance) journey. With an adapted book by Sarah Ruhl and music by the duo A Great Big World, this empathetic, energetic show is bound for the stars.

Inspirational precepts surround Auggie: to “choose kind,” to walk in another’s shoes, and to learn to see differently are some of the principles imparted to Auggie’s classmates and the audience alike. These may seem like simple lessons angled at kids, but “Wonder” handles them thoughtfully as important reminders for all stages of life. Palacio’s book has remained popular because it portrays adolescence in a way that feels true, and presents the difficulties of being Auggie — and those around him — without shallow sentiment. It seems a difficult task to translate the novel’s first-person perspective to the stage, where we may initially register Auggie’s outer appearance before getting to know his inner self. As the musical — true to the book — grants many reflections to Auggie’s family and classmates, one nevertheless wonders how much of Auggie’s narrative will be occupied by his own voice.

But if one thing is clear throughout, it’s that the musical excels at empathetically balancing the multiple perspectives it ambitiously maintains, and at taking the social dynamics of middle school seriously while having fun with kids’ stage-ready dramatics. The simplification of some plots or personalities keeps the show moving, but in no way detracts from the story’s heart. While delivering the emotional ballads that longtime fans will expect, “Wonder” also turns the hectic changing of class periods or the social wars of middle school into fun and lively ensemble numbers. Simply put, “Wonder” is both genuinely entertaining and genuinely inspiring.

Much credit goes to the composers and lyricists, A Great Big World, for their first theatrical project. The duo, known for their hits “Say Something” and “This Is the New Year,” have channeled their pop style into simple instrumentation with earnest lyrics, in which clear keyboard and cello melodies are sometimes joined by spacey synth. These are paired with cast voices that could fit comfortably into a pop song, suiting the youth-centered story while possessing a sure appeal to general audiences. Benefited by the all-around talented cast — especially the younger members — A Great Big World has managed to make every single musical number infectious in spirit and truly listenable.

As for those wondering if any changes have been made to the story, Auggie’s imaginary astronaut friend Moon Boy (Nathan Salstone) serves as a representation of Auggie’s inner perspective, charmingly childlike as he adds to the ways Auggie clues us in on his feelings when his parents or classmates converse around him. This major addition anchors the musical’s full dive into a space and sci-fi theme, from the set’s glowing tiles that evoke pixelated stars (or, for gamers like Auggie, Minecraft blocks) to lyrics centered on metaphors of suns and black holes. The resulting atmosphere is ever-engaging, ever-wondrous.

Another charm of the musical is that nearly every character is immensely likable, even more so than the source material — from the kinds of teachers you secretly think are cool to young people who may be flawed, but are deeply thoughtful and caring. The show manages to expand, ever-so-slightly more than its predecessors, the possibility for people to change. And such a world affirms Auggie’s parents’ belief from the book: that most people in this world are good, and are looking out for one another.

Having hope in people to be good, while knowing we ourselves must change how we see the world, somehow still feels radical today. More than successful in adapting a beloved book for the stage, “Wonder” will please fans of all ages. But more importantly, it carries that much-needed power to inspire both adults and children — in the words of Mr. Tushman (Melvin Abston) — to strive to be kinder than necessary.

“Wonder” runs at the Loeb Drama Center through Feb. 8.

—Staff writer Isabelle A. Lu can be reached at [email protected].