Cleveland Play House is staging the world premiere of “Freak The Mighty,” a new musical based on the young adult novel by Rodman Philbrick, in a co-production with Seattle Rep. The show runs May 22 through June 21, 2026, at the Allen Theatre in Playhouse Square.

The musical follows two young outsiders, Maxwell Kane and Kevin Avery, who form an unlikely friendship. Anthony Drewe, an Olivier and Tony Award winner known for “Mary Poppins,” wrote the book and lyrics. Ryan Fielding Garrett, a Baldwin Wallace University graduate, composed the music. Michael Barakiva directs, with choreography by Patrick McCollum.

The cast includes Netza Jimenez as Maxwell Kane, Cornelius Kittrell as Kevin Avery, Kanoa Sims as Gwen Avery, Astrid Van Wieren as Gram, and Christopher Gurr as Grim.

Source: https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/news/2026/04/23/cleveland-play-house-announces-major-new-musical-in-collaboration-with-seattle-rep