Submissions have opened for the lead role of Auggie Pullman in an upcoming reading of new musical Wonder, to be held in New York City in January 2023. The musical is based on the Lionsgate film and novel by R.J. Palacio of the same name.
Children with craniofacial differences between the ages of 7 and 14 are invited to submit audition tapes, sharing their name, pronouns (if comfortable sharing), their hometown, and a fun fact about themselves. Using a karaoke track or singing a cappella, children should also sing a song they love. "Anything from ‘Happy Birthday’ to the latest pop song on the radio is acceptable!," says the casting notice. The call is open to children of all genders and ethnicities.
Taibi Magar is set to direct the musical penned by Bess Wohl (Grand Horizons) and featuring music and lyrics by A Great Big World, who gained popular attention for their 2013 song "Say Something," and their single "This Is the New Year" which was performed on Glee. Jill Furman (Freestyle Love Supreme, In the Heights) will produce.
Palacio's novel was published by Alfred A. Knopf in 2012, and was awarded the Mark Twain Prize. Stephen Chbosky directed the 2017 film adaptation—penned by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), Steven Conrad, and Chbosky— which stars Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay, Noah Jupe, Izabela Vidovic, Bryce Gheisar, and Hamilton's Daveed Diggs.
The film follows Auggie Pullman—a boy who loves outer space, Xbox, and science—as he tries to fit in as the new incoming student at Beecher Prep. He also happens to have Treacher Collins syndrome and a craniofacial difference.
Audition tapes will be accepted through through November 4 via email to [email protected].
