Wonder the musical features young actors with facial differences onstage

The American Repertory Theater production of Wonder cast young performers with facial differences, including Max Voehl and Garrett McNally, in the lead role; the show ran for two months and closed on Feb. 15.

The American Repertory Theater in Cambridge staged a musical adaptation of R.J. Palacio's novel Wonder that cast young actors with facial differences in the lead role. Director Taibi Magar said she was drawn to the story during the pandemic for its gentler, kinder tone. The production alternated the part of Auggie between Max Voehl, who was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, and Garrett McNally, who has Treacher Collins syndrome. The show completed a two-month run that ended on Feb. 15. Key details: - Max Voehl, 12, has a bilateral cleft lip and palate and alternated as Auggie. - Garrett McNally, 16, has Treacher Collins syndrome and also alternated in the role; he had not acted before this production. - The musical is adapted from R.J. Palacio's 2012 novel about a boy with a craniofacial condition and focuses on kindness and resilience. - Matthew Joffe, a consultant with Moebius syndrome, advocated for casting actors with facial differences rather than using prosthetics. - Hundreds of schoolchildren attended performances and some lined up afterward for autographs. Summary: The production highlighted casting choices that brought performers with lived facial differences to a prominent stage role, and audiences responded with strong attendance and engagement. Undetermined at this time.