Be the first to see the world premiere of August Rush: The Musical, a never-before-seen musical based on the original Warner Bros. motion picture with story by Paul Castro and Nick Castle and screenplay by Nick Castle and James V. Hart
Bookwriter and Co-Lyricist: Glen Berger
Composer and Co-Lyricist: Mark Mancina
Orchestrations and Additional Music by Dave Metzger
Based on the Warner Bros. motion picture, story by Paul Castro and Nick Castle, screenplay by Nick Castle and James V. Hart
When the Broadway Series began in 2011, we had big dreams for what it could become. Over the years, those dreams have been brought to life again and again. And now, one of our biggest dreams is finally becoming a reality. For the first time in its history, the Paramount Theatre will produce a brand new musical, and this one is all about the music.
Evan Taylor, an 11 year old orphan, believes in music like some believe in fairytales. In a cruel twist of fate, Evan’s mother, an accomplished classical cellist, and his father, the lead singer of a rock band, don’t even know he exists in this world. Even after so many years gone, Evan has not given up hope as he relentlessly searches for the parents he knows need him. Quickly discovering he too is a musical prodigy, Evan surrenders himself to the symphony of sounds and follows the music. In this inspiring love story, music is everywhere, but will it lead Evan home?
From the theatre that won the Jeff Award for “Best Large Musical” three years in a row, the moving story of August Rush: The Musical is brought to the stage in Paramount Theatre’s first new musical. We invite you to be a part of history and join us for this world premiere. All you have to do is follow the music home…to the Paramount Theatre.
A NEW MUSICAL
Be the first to see the world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Internationally acclaimed director John Doyle, who earned a Tony Award for Sweeney Todd and also staged the Broadway revival of The Color Purple starring Jennifer Hudson, will direct this new live stage adaption of the critically acclaimed Warner Brothers film. Working closely with Paramount on this never-before-seen musical is Mark Mancina, the celebrated composer of the film’s platinum selling soundtrack, who continues as composer and co-lyricist for the new stage version of August Rush. Mancina arranged and produced many songs for The Lion King and contributed music to Disney’s hit film Moana. The creative team includes Emmy Award-winning bookwriter and co-lyricist Glen Berger, who co-wrote the book for Broadway’s SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark. Orchestrations and additional music are by Dave Metzger, who orchestrated the films August Rush, Training Day and Tarzan and received a Tony nomination for his work on Disney’s The Lion King.
Did you know?
- Director John Doyle, originally from the UK, is a Tony Award winner and also directed the revival of The Color Purple starring Jennifer Hudson.
- The film’s original producer, Richard Barton Lewis, and original composer, Mark Mancina, are working closely with Paramount Theatre to develop this new musical.
- The film August Rush was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song.
- Just like Million Dollar Quartet and Once, the actors in this production will replace the orchestra and play all instruments live on stage, creating the beautiful symphony of this story.
Jack McCarthy plays August Rush/Evan Taylor in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Also pictured: Sydney Shepherd as Lyla. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: McCarthy alternates performances with Huxley Westemeier in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
George Abud plays Lewis in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Leenya Rideout (back, left) plays Hope. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren.
George Abud plays Lewis and Sydney Shepherd is Lyla in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Leenya Rideout (back, left) plays Hope. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren.
George Abud plays Lewis and Sydney Shepherd is Lyla in in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Also pictured (from left): Ginna Doyle, Katrina Yaukey, Doug Smith and Matt Deitchman. Photo credit: Liz Lauren.
George Abud plays Lewis and Sydney Shepherd is Lyla in in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren.
George Abud (left) plays Lewis in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Also pictured, from left: John Hickok as Wizard, Marta Bagratuni (ensemble), Huxley Westemeier (on piano) as August Rush/Evan Taylor, Ginna Doyle (ensemble) and Leenya Rideout as Hope. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: Westemeier alternates performances with Jack McCarthy in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
John Hickok (left) as the Wizard and Jack McCarthy as August Rush/Evan Taylor in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: McCarthy alternates performances with Huxley Westemeier in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
Jack McCarthy (left) plays August Rush and Leenya Rideout plays Hope in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: McCarthy alternates performances with Huxley Westemeier in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
George Abud (left) plays Lewis and Jack McCarthy (on piano) plays August Rush/Evan Taylor in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: McCarthy alternates performances with Huxley Westemeier in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
Leenya Rideout plays Hope and Jack McCarthy plays August Rush/Evan Taylor in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Also pictured, from left: Katrina Yaukey, Doug Smith and Ginna Doyle. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: McCarthy alternates performances with Huxley Westemeier in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
Jack McCarthy plays August Rush/Evan Taylor in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Also pictured: Sydney Shepherd as Lyla. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: McCarthy alternates performances with Huxley Westemeier in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
John Hickok (left) as the Wizard in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren.
Jack McCarthy (center) plays August Rush/Evan Taylor in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Also pictured/visible, from left: Brad Giovanine, Leenya Rideout, Ginna Doyle, Matt Deitchman and Lizzie Hagstedt. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: McCarthy alternates performances with Huxley Westemeier in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
Jack McCarthy (center) plays August Rush/Evan Taylor, flanked by ensemble members Brad Giovanine (left) and Lizzie Hagstedt, in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: McCarthy alternates performances with Huxley Westemeier in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
George Abud plays Lewis and Sydney Shepherd is Lyla in in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Leenya Rideout (back, left) plays Hope. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren.
George Abud plays Lewis and Sydney Shepherd is Lyla in in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren.
Jack McCarthy plays August Rush in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: McCarthy alternates performances with Huxley Westemeier in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
Jack McCarthy (left) plays August Rush, and George Abud plays August’s long lost father, Lewis, in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: McCarthy alternates performances with Huxley Westemeier in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
Huxley Westemeier (left) as August Rush/Evan Taylor and John Hickok as the Wizard in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: Westemeier alternates performances with Jack McCarthy in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
Huxley Westemeier (center) plays August Rush/Evan Taylor in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Also pictured, from left: Doug Smith, Marta Bagratuni, Katrina Yaukey (obstructed), Brad Giovanine, Leenya Rideout (obstructed), Ginna Doyle, Lizzie Hagstedt and Alan Bender. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: Westemeier alternates performances with Jack McCarthy in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
Huxley Westemeier (center) plays August Rush/Evan Taylor in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Also pictured, from left: Marta Bagratuni, Katrina Yaukey, Doug Smith (obstructed) Brad Giovanine, Leenya Rideout, Troy Valjean Rucker (obstructed), Ginna Doyle and Lizzie Hagstedt. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: Westemeier alternates performances with Jack McCarthy in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
Huxley Westemeier (front) as August Rush/Evan Taylor and John Hickok (behind) as the Wizard in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: Westemeier alternates performances with Jack McCarthy in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
Huxley Westemeier plays August Rush/Evan Taylor and Leenya Rideout plays Hope in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: Westemeier alternates performances with Jack McCarthy in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
Huxley Westemeier plays August Rush/Evan Taylor in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: Westemeier alternates performances with Jack McCarthy in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
(from left) Sydney Shepherd plays Lyla, Huxley Westemeier plays August Rush/Evan Taylor, and George Abud plays Lewis in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: Westemeier alternates performances with Jack McCarthy in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
Huxley Westemeier plays August Rush/Evan Taylor in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Also pictured, from left: Ginna Doyle, George Abud as Lewis, Alex Bender, John Hickok (on piano bench) as Wizard, Doug Smith Matt Deitchman (obstructed) and Leenya Rideout as Hope. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: Westemeier alternates performances with Jack McCarthy in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
George Abud plays Lewis in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren.
Huxley Westemeier (left) plays August Rush/Evan Taylor and George Abud plays Lewis in Paramount Theatre’s world premiere of August Rush: The Musical. Tony Award-winner John Doyle directs. Performances are April 24-June 2, 2019 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or (630) 896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren. Note: Westemeier alternates performances with Jack McCarthy in the title role of August Rush/Evan Taylor.
Meet the Team
Artistic Team
Glen Berger
Book and Lyrics
Mark Mancina
Music and Lyrics
John Doyle ‡
Director
JoAnn M. Hunter ‡
Choreographer
Dave Metzger
Orchestrations, Arrangements and Additional Music
Greg Jarrett
Music Director and Conductor
Scott Pask †
Scenic Designer
Ann Hould-Ward †
Costume Designer
Paul Toben †
Lighting Designer
Dan Moses Schreier †
Sound Designer
Joe Burke
Projection Designer
Katie Cordts
Hair & Makeup Designer
Adam John Hunter *
Production Stage Manager and Associate Director
Christine D’Amore *
Stage Manager
Matthew McMullen *
Assistant Stage Manager
Stewart/Whitley
Casting (New York City)
Cast
George Abud *
Lewis Chapman
making Paramount Theatre debut
Marta Bagratuni *
Ensemble
making Paramount Theatre debut
Alex Bender *
Ensemble
making Paramount Theatre debut
Matt Deitchman *
Ensemble
previously in The Wizard of Oz (Orchestra), Sweeney Todd and The Who’s Tommy
Ginna Doyle *
Ensemble
making Paramount Theatre debut
Brad Giovanine *
Ensemble
making Paramount Theatre debut
Lizzie Hagstedt *
Ensemble
making Paramount Theatre debut
John Hickok *
Wizard/Thomas Novacek
making Paramount Theatre debut
Jessie Linden
Ensemble
making Paramount Theatre debut
Jack McCarthy *
August Rush/Evan Taylor
making Paramount Theatre debut
Leenya Rideout *
Hope
making Paramount Theatre debut
Troy Valjean Rucker *
Ensemble
making Paramount Theatre debut
Sydney Shepherd *
Lyla Novacek
making Paramount Theatre debut
Doug Smith
Ensemble
making Paramount Theatre debut
Huxley Westemeier *
August Rush/Evan Taylor
making Paramount Theatre debut
Katrina Yaukey *
Ensemble
making Paramount Theatre debut
Jenn Chandler *
u/s Lyla, u/s Ensemble
previously in Once
Adam Michaels *
u/s Lewis, u/s Wizard/Father, u/s Ensemble
previously in Rent
Cassidy Stirtz *
u/s Hope, u/s Ensemble
previously in Once
* indicates member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA)
† indicates member of United Scenic Artists (USA)
‡ indicates member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)
Behind the Scenes
Tuesdays with Corti: Kinky Boots, Pride & More!
Read MorePerforming a New Musical | August Rush
Read MoreGeorge Abud | Being the Orchestra
Read MoreHuxley Westemeier | Being the Orchestra
Read MoreSydney Shepherd | Being the Orchestra
Read MoreJack McCarthy | Being the Orchestra
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Tuesdays with Corti: Newsies Choreography
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Photo Gallery: August Rush Opening Night
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Tuesdays with Corti: August Rush Tech Rehearsal
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Photo Gallery: August Rush Rehearsal Photos
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Tuesdays with Corti: August Rush Cast
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Tuesdays with Corti: New Musicals
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Tuesdays with Corti: A Look at Season 9
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Tuesdays with Corti: Goodbye, Producers
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Tuesdays with Corti: Opening Night of The Producers
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