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Young actors with facial differences star in 'Wonder' musical
The musical adaptation of the popular book and film brings Auggie's story to life on stage.
Feb. 23, 2026 at 5:06pm
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When 12-year-old Max Voehl auditioned to play the lead role of Auggie Pullman in the musical adaptation of 'Wonder,' he felt a deep connection to the character. Like Auggie, Voehl was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate and has endured multiple surgeries. The musical, which ran for two months at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts, also features 16-year-old Garrett McNally, who has Treacher Collins syndrome, in the role of Auggie. The production aimed to cast actors with facial differences to authentically portray Auggie's experience.
Why it matters
The musical 'Wonder' provides a platform for young actors with facial differences to share their stories and challenge perceptions about physical appearances. By casting actors who have faced similar experiences as the character, the production hopes to promote empathy, kindness, and acceptance towards people with craniofacial conditions.
The details
Adapted from the 2012 novel by R.J. Palacio, 'Wonder' follows the story of 10-year-old Auggie, who has a rare genetic condition called Treacher Collins syndrome, as he navigates his first year at a mainstream school. The musical also explores the perspectives of Auggie's family and friends, including his sister Via and his best friend Jack. Director Taibi Magar was drawn to the story's message of compassion during the pandemic, when the world felt 'cold and mean.' Finding young actors with facial differences to play Auggie was an early challenge, but the production ultimately cast Voehl and McNally, who both relate deeply to the character's experiences.
- The musical 'Wonder' ran for a two-month engagement at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts, ending on February 15, 2026.
- Max Voehl and Garrett McNally, who both have facial differences, alternated in the role of Auggie Pullman during the production's run.
The players
Max Voehl
A 12-year-old actor from Utah who was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate and has endured multiple surgeries, similar to the character of Auggie Pullman.
Garrett McNally
A 16-year-old actor from California who has Treacher Collins syndrome and made his acting debut in the role of Auggie Pullman.
Taibi Magar
The director of the 'Wonder' musical, who was drawn to the story's message of compassion during the pandemic.
Matthew Joffee
A consultant on the project who has a facial condition known as Moebius syndrome and argued that the role of Auggie should be played by an actor with a facial difference.
Jules McNally
The mother of Garrett McNally, who was surprised by her son's dedication and commitment to the role of Auggie.
What they’re saying
“Channeling Auggie on stage is actually pretty easy for me because I have felt the emotions he has felt, and I have gone through what he has gone through.”
— Max Voehl
“I was nervous because I thought I would mess up or get stage fright, but it generally went pretty smoothly, except for that one time where I hit my shin on one of the tables.”
— Garrett McNally
“I want people to leave the show taking the things that they felt, the empathy that they experienced. I want them to go out into their own communities and do what they need to do to make people feel safe and accepted and welcome.”
— Jules McNally, Garrett McNally's mother
What’s next
The musical 'Wonder' is expected to tour to other cities after its successful run in Cambridge, Massachusetts, allowing more audiences to experience the story and its message of acceptance.
The takeaway
The 'Wonder' musical provides a powerful platform for young actors with facial differences to share their stories and challenge perceptions about physical appearances. By casting actors who can authentically portray the lead character's experiences, the production promotes empathy, kindness, and inclusion towards people with craniofacial conditions.
