EXPERIENCE THE MOVING, MUSICAL JOURNEY OF BEAU THE MUSICAL
By Kiersten Bjork (December 28, 2025)
Beau the Musical is an electric, vibrant musical making waves at St. Luke’s Theatre–dubbed The Distillery at St. Luke’s for the production. Actor-musicians move through the audience, working the crowd in a performance that is half theatre, half concert, and all stunning storytelling. It’s powerful. It’s moving. It’s a musical experience that is distinctly different from anything that I have witnessed recently, and it’s refreshing.
From the moment you enter the space, you are welcomed into a lively bar with a warm, lived-in feel. Cabaret tables are scattered throughout the room, and the intimate theatre space feels as if you are practically sitting on the stage–and soon enough, you realize that you really are, as the performers utilize the entire room as their playground.
With a concept, book, music, and lyrics by Douglas Lyons and music by Ethan D. Pakchar, Beau the Musical follows Ace Baker, a young musician who learns that his long-lost grandfather is not only a rockstar, but very much alive. When the chance to meet him arises, Ace embarks on a coming-of-age journey that explores the complexities of life, love, relationships, family, self-worth, and redemption.
Beau the Musical is an electric, vibrant musical making waves at St. Luke’s Theatre–dubbed The Distillery at St. Luke’s for the production. Actor-musicians move through the audience, working the crowd in a performance that is half theatre, half concert, and all stunning storytelling. It’s powerful. It’s moving. It’s a musical experience that is distinctly different from anything that I have witnessed recently, and it’s refreshing.
From the moment you enter the space, you are welcomed into a lively bar with a warm, lived-in feel. Cabaret tables are scattered throughout the room, and the intimate theatre space feels as if you are practically sitting on the stage–and soon enough, you realize that you really are, as the performers utilize the entire room as their playground.
With a concept, book, music, and lyrics by Douglas Lyons and music by Ethan D. Pakchar, Beau the Musical follows Ace Baker, a young musician who learns that his long-lost grandfather is not only a rockstar, but very much alive. When the chance to meet him arises, Ace embarks on a coming-of-age journey that explores the complexities of life, love, relationships, family, self-worth, and redemption.
The cast of Beau the Musical at The Distillery at St. Luke’s Theatre (Valerie Terranova)
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Matt Rodin and the cast of Beau the Musical at The Distillery at St. Luke’s Theatre (Valerie Terranova)
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Director and choreographer Josh Rhodes crafts a fantastic production, particularly within the St. Luke’s space. This show utilizes every inch of that performance space, and does so in a way that welcomes the audience into the story, performers interacting with theatregoers in different moments, and it allows the show to feel that much more personal, and impactful. The choreography is lively and fun, and fits the feeling of the show nicely. Chris Gurr serves as music supervisor, with Kimi Handa Brown as intimacy director and Michael Rossmy as fight director.
Leading the company as Ace Baker is Matt Rodin, who I had the pleasure of seeing in the national tour of Company not too long ago. Rodin absolutely shines as Ace. This is a role that is filled with tumultuous emotions–trauma and pain, hope and joy, love and loss–and Rodin is giving every ounce of himself to it. He sings from the soul, driving the story forward with his passion, courage, and honesty.
As Beau himself, Jeb Brown is a powerhouse. He is brooding and gruff, yet the level of care and the spark of excitement that he lets shine through in those key moments are incredibly endearing. Rodin and Brown play off of each other in a great way, and the evolution of the relationship that they portray is sure to touch your heart.
Amelia Cormack plays a fiery Raven, Ace's mother, packing a vocal punch. She is fierce and strong, but grounded. I loved the backs and forths between her and Rodin. Her Raven is guarded, protective of her past yet trying to forge ahead, and Cormack plays it beautifully.
Max Sangerman takes on the role of Ferris, Ace’s bully-turned-lover, and walks the fine line between cruelty and endearment skillfully. Like many of these characters, Ferris is complicated, and Sangerman does a nice job tackling the role.
Leading the company as Ace Baker is Matt Rodin, who I had the pleasure of seeing in the national tour of Company not too long ago. Rodin absolutely shines as Ace. This is a role that is filled with tumultuous emotions–trauma and pain, hope and joy, love and loss–and Rodin is giving every ounce of himself to it. He sings from the soul, driving the story forward with his passion, courage, and honesty.
As Beau himself, Jeb Brown is a powerhouse. He is brooding and gruff, yet the level of care and the spark of excitement that he lets shine through in those key moments are incredibly endearing. Rodin and Brown play off of each other in a great way, and the evolution of the relationship that they portray is sure to touch your heart.
Amelia Cormack plays a fiery Raven, Ace's mother, packing a vocal punch. She is fierce and strong, but grounded. I loved the backs and forths between her and Rodin. Her Raven is guarded, protective of her past yet trying to forge ahead, and Cormack plays it beautifully.
Max Sangerman takes on the role of Ferris, Ace’s bully-turned-lover, and walks the fine line between cruelty and endearment skillfully. Like many of these characters, Ferris is complicated, and Sangerman does a nice job tackling the role.
Jeb Brown in Beau the Musical at The Distillery at St. Luke’s Theatre (Valerie Terranova)
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Matt Rodin and Amelia Cormack in Beau the Musical at The Distillery at St. Luke’s Theatre (Valerie Terranova)
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Ryan Halsaver brings some needed humor in the role of Larry, Raven’s boyfriend. His delivery and choices for the character lean into the comedic moments, and amidst the intensity of the show, it’s an effective shift that Halsaver handles well.
Miyuki Miyagi is a delight as Ace’s friend Daphney, while Andrea Goss (Le-Ann, Karina, and the Nurse) and Derek Stoltenberg (Dennis) give strong performances.
The standbys for the production are Luke Darnell, Seth Eliser, Tyler Donovan McCall (Ace alternate), Lauren Jeanne Thomas, and Rose Van Dyne.
Across the board, this company is filled with fantastic singers, actors, and musicians. They are working overtime both playing their respective instruments and delivering impressive vocals, all while working the audience and telling a powerful story. They thrive in the intimacy of the room, and the energy in that space is infectious.
Miyuki Miyagi is a delight as Ace’s friend Daphney, while Andrea Goss (Le-Ann, Karina, and the Nurse) and Derek Stoltenberg (Dennis) give strong performances.
The standbys for the production are Luke Darnell, Seth Eliser, Tyler Donovan McCall (Ace alternate), Lauren Jeanne Thomas, and Rose Van Dyne.
Across the board, this company is filled with fantastic singers, actors, and musicians. They are working overtime both playing their respective instruments and delivering impressive vocals, all while working the audience and telling a powerful story. They thrive in the intimacy of the room, and the energy in that space is infectious.
Matt Rodin and the cast of Beau the Musical at The Distillery at St. Luke’s Theatre (Valerie Terranova)
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Max Sangerman and Matt Rodin in Beau the Musical at The Distillery at St. Luke’s Theatre (Valerie Terranova)
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Scenic designer Daniel Allen transforms the basement at St. Luke’s into a fully immersive bar space with cabaret tables, a fully-operational bar, and tons of fantastic set dressing from props designer and set dresser Sean Frank. The space really is fantastic, and the audience is fully immersed in the world of the show from the moment that you enter. License plates and a variety of ephemera cover the walls, giving the room a unique feel, and making the setting a character in itself.
Japhy Weideman’s lighting design builds upon the world of the show with tons of fun colors, leaning into the soft and warm look of more practical lights.
Sound design by Jordan Abrenica is solid, and the balance in the room is great for such a small space with a live band.
Costume design by Rodrigo Muñoz elevates the characters nicely, reflecting their personalities and histories, as well as the environment of the story. The performers who shift from character to character also have clever changes–pieces they add or subtract, changes to their hair, etc.–that help define their different roles. Brian Strumwasser serves as hair and makeup consultant for the production.
Japhy Weideman’s lighting design builds upon the world of the show with tons of fun colors, leaning into the soft and warm look of more practical lights.
Sound design by Jordan Abrenica is solid, and the balance in the room is great for such a small space with a live band.
Costume design by Rodrigo Muñoz elevates the characters nicely, reflecting their personalities and histories, as well as the environment of the story. The performers who shift from character to character also have clever changes–pieces they add or subtract, changes to their hair, etc.–that help define their different roles. Brian Strumwasser serves as hair and makeup consultant for the production.
Matt Rodin and the cast of Beau the Musical at The Distillery at St. Luke’s Theatre (Valerie Terranova)
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The cast of Beau the Musical at The Distillery at St. Luke’s Theatre (Valerie Terranova)
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Beau the Musical is a powerful story of love, of loving oneself, and of loving who you want to love. It explores family and the trauma and strain that can come from those relationships. It dives deep into what it is to live, to love, and to be human. It will make you smile. It will make you cry. It will make you stop and think about those you love, and those you’ve lost. Don’t miss your chance to see this beautiful piece before the Distillery closes its doors.
Beau the Musical is now playing at St. Luke’s Distillery through January 4, 2026. Learn more and purchase tickets at beauthemusical.com. Production photography is by Valerie Terranova.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Beau the Musical is now playing at St. Luke’s Distillery through January 4, 2026. Learn more and purchase tickets at beauthemusical.com. Production photography is by Valerie Terranova.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.