Estranged Family and Surprising Bonds Shine in This Exciting New Musical

Blending elements of a reflective memory play with the energy of a country-rock concert, Beau the Musical resists easy classification. The show is also a coming-of-age dramedy, but playwright and lyricist Douglas Lyons hopes audiences take away a deeper reflection on family ties and intergenerational healing through its lively score. Sometimes we dont truly understand people until theyre gone, Lyons shared.

The musical is now running at St. Lukes Theatre in New York, following a highly praised engagement at Theatre 154 this past summer. The story centers on Ace Baker (Matt Rodin), a singer-songwriter returning to the Nashville stage for a one-night concert. As Ace discusses the stories behind the songs on his newest album, the narrative shifts to his childhood in rural Tennessee, where he was raised by a single mother, Raven (Amelia Cormack).

During his formative years, Ace quietly grapples with his queer identity while enduring bullying, particularly from Ferris (Max Sangerman), who harbors secrets of his own. Aces friendship with Daphney (Miyuki Miyagi) provides solace, but he longs for a familial connection. Learning that his estranged grandfather Beau (Jeb Brown) is still alive, Ace runs away to establish a relationship, despite Ravens objections. Surprisingly, Beau forms a bond with Ace, even as he shields him from the complicated history with Raven.

Lyons, who debuted as a Broadway playwright with Chicken & Biscuits in 2021, began developing songs for Beau alongside musician Ethan D. Pakchar while performing in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical a decade ago. The Connecticut native drew from his own experiences with his grandfather in North Carolina when shaping the musicals plot. Some kids connect more deeply with grandparents than with parents, Lyons explained. Be somebodys Beau. Offer encouragement and guidance. Time with loved ones is precious, so cherish it.

Matt Rodin emphasized how the piece allows audiences to explore queerness in personal ways. This musical creates space for people to embrace their identity openly, he said. The productions music blends influences from James Brown and James Taylor, with touches of gospel, while its immersive stagingwhere the eight-member cast doubles as a live bandevokes the spirit of Rent and Once.

Jeb Brown, a 2025 Tony nominee for Dead Outlaw, delivers a nuanced performance as Beau, mentoring his grandson while confronting his own past. Both Brown and Rodin have collaborated with Lyons on the project for nearly ten years, with Rodin also featured on the 2019 cast album and the 2022 film adaptation.

Rodin described Ace as a layered queer character not often seen on stage, celebrating the broader spectrum of representation the musical provides. Brown added, Even if someone feels imperfect or has regrets, mentoring younger generations remains impactful. Connection across generations is invaluable.

Following the St. Lukes Theatre run, Lyons envisions Beau reaching audiences nationwide and potentially internationally, with hopes of a Broadway production. Both actors see potential for regional productions, particularly in the South. It excites me to see more people performing this music and embodying these roles, Rodin said, noting that students are already covering the shows songs in showcases.

Reflection on "Beau the Musical": A Journey of Identity and Family Ties

“Beau the Musical” seamlessly blends reflective storytelling with the energy of a country-rock concert, offering a narrative that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Playwright and lyricist Douglas Lyons delivers a poignant exploration of family, identity, and intergenerational healing through a musical score that echoes with emotional depth. The show’s ability to simultaneously entertain and provoke thought highlights its potential as a cultural touchstone, especially for those grappling with themes of self-identity and personal connection.

The musical’s focus on the relationship between Ace and his estranged grandfather Beau is both intimate and universal, as it explores the complexities of generational ties and the impact of unspoken histories. Through the lens of Ace’s coming-of-age journey, the audience is invited to reflect on their own familial relationships, recognizing the significance of understanding and reconciliation. As Lyons notes, “Sometimes we don’t truly understand people until they’re gone,” a sentiment that resonates deeply in the context of this story.

While “Beau” is undeniably a dramedy that touches on the struggles of queerness, it also opens up broader conversations about generational mentorship and the lasting effects of family bonds. The performances, particularly by Matt Rodin and Jeb Brown, infuse the show with authenticity, as they portray complex characters who navigate the delicate dance between mentorship and reconciling past mistakes. These characters remind us that even in the face of imperfections and regrets, the value of connection remains unchanged.

The musical’s innovative fusion of live music and immersive staging, with a cast doubling as the live band, provides a sensory experience that amplifies the emotional depth of the narrative. With its roots firmly planted in Lyons' personal experiences, “Beau the Musical” offers a unique lens on familial dynamics and queerness, positioning itself as an important work in contemporary theatre. As the production prepares to reach wider audiences, its potential for future productions, both regionally and on Broadway, seems poised for success.

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• Estranged Family And Unexpected Connections Take Center Stage In This Buzzy New Musical

Author: Olivia Parker
Olivia Parker is a journalist and editor with over 8 years in media. She focuses on culture, arts, and social issues, skilled in feature writing and critical reviews.