"Beau: The Musical" Returns Off-Broadway, Championing Queer Joy and Family Bonds

"Beau: The Musical," a heartfelt production that intertwines themes of queer identity, family reconciliation, and the transformative power of music, returns to Off-Broadway for a new run beginning October 13, with its opening night set for October 27, 2025. This revival is presented by Out of the Box Theatrics, in partnership with The StoryLine Project, and marks a new chapter for the musical, which first premiered earlier this summer at 154 Christopher Street, formerly the New Ohio Theatre. The new production will now be staged at St. Luke’s Theatre, located at 308 West 46th Street in Manhattan .

Conceived and written by Douglas Lyons (noted for "Chicken and Biscuits"), with music co-composed by Lyons and Ethan D. Pakchar ("Back to the Future: The Musical"), "Beau" stands out for its ensemble of eight actor-musicians who bring the story of Ace Baker to life. Ace, a young queer man growing up in Nashville, spends the first decade of his life without a father figure, only to discover at age 12 that his supposedly deceased grandfather, Beau, is actually alive. This revelation leads to a journey of self-discovery, healing, and musical awakening as Ace bonds with Beau—who puts a guitar in his grandson’s hands, helping him find his voice and his place in the world .

The musical is structured as a concert, with Ace (played by Matt Rodin, reprising his role from previous productions) performing songs from his soon-to-be-released second album, interspersed with flashbacks to pivotal moments in his youth. These vignettes chart Ace’s journey through bullying, first love, and the challenges of coming out in a conservative environment, offering a nuanced portrayal of the joys and struggles faced by many LGBTQ+ youth .

The return of "Beau" sees a reunion of key creative talents. Josh Rhodes ("Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella," "Spamalot") returns as director and choreographer, ensuring continuity with the production’s earlier vision. The design team from the previous run is also expected to rejoin, including scenic designer Daniel Allen, costume designer Devario D. Simmons, lighting designer Adam Honoré, and sound designer Jordana Brenica. The producers, Bryan McCaffery and Leah Michalos, have played an instrumental role in shepherding the show’s development .

"Beau: The Musical" has garnered praise for its originality and emotional resonance. Critics have highlighted the show’s capacity to blend entertainment with deeper themes, describing it as “a profound, poignant tale” and “a superb show” that both entertains and sparks important conversations about family, identity, and acceptance .

One of the defining features of "Beau" is its explicit centering of queer experiences, described by its creators as a “celebratory gay” musical. The show has been lauded for bringing "queer joy" to the forefront, both in its narrative and its music, which fuses elements of country, funk, and folk—a genre blend not often associated with queer storytelling on stage .

Ace’s journey—navigating bullying, secrecy, and the eventual embrace of his authentic self—mirrors the lived experiences of many LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those in conservative or rural communities. The musical’s intergenerational dynamic, exploring the relationship between Ace and Beau, also resonates with audiences who have found support, understanding, and affirmation from chosen family members or unexpected mentors.

The production’s return has been especially timely given ongoing conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in the arts and the importance of safe, affirming spaces for queer youth. By highlighting the intersection of music, memory, and identity, the show contributes to a broader cultural movement advocating for visibility, acceptance, and celebration of LGBTQ+ lives .

The influence of "Beau" has extended beyond the stage, with Sony Masterworks Broadway releasing the show’s world premiere recording in 2019. The album, featuring the lead single "Runnin’," captures the musical’s blend of joy and intimacy, making its story accessible to a wider audience. Special concert presentations, such as the 2019 event at Joe’s Pub, have further cemented "Beau’s" reputation as a touchstone for contemporary LGBTQ+ musical theater .

As "Beau: The Musical" resumes performances, its embrace of queer joy and vulnerability remains a vital contribution to the American theater landscape. The production’s visibility and success underscore the importance of inclusive storytelling—stories that center LGBTQ+ characters not only in narratives of struggle, but also in narratives of love, growth, and artistic achievement.

The creative team’s commitment to authenticity, as well as the ongoing engagement with LGBTQ+ audiences and allies, positions "Beau" as both a work of art and a beacon for future generations of queer storytellers and theatergoers. With its mix of country-pop music, powerful performances, and a message of hope, "Beau: The Musical" stands as a testament to the enduring power of representation and the transformative magic of live theater .