Rehearsals are underway for the new musical adaptation of August Rush, which begins performances April 24 at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Illinois, under the direction of John Doyle (The Color Purple). The musical is based on the 2007 Warner Bros. film and stars Jack McCarthy and Huxley Westemeier, who alternate performances in the title role as an orphaned music prodigy on a quest to be reunited with his parents. Rounding out the cast are George Abud (The Band's Visit) as the boy's long-lost father and Sydney Sherpherd (First Date) as his mother.
August Rush features music and lyrics by Mark Mancina (who scored the original Warner Bros. film) and a book and lyrics by Glen Berger. Orchestrations and additional music are by Tony nominee David Metzger, who orchestrated the film.
“I’m excited about the development of this new and unique musical,” said director Doyle. “August Rush centers on the emotional and musical journey of a young boy—a lost boy. Through music he reunites with the parents he otherwise may never have found. The ‘hope’ that the story highlights is powerful. That, more than anything, is what attracted me to the material, and I’m honored to be a part of its journey.”
Flip through the new rehearsal photos below:
