4.5 out of 5 stars

"Beau the Musical" achieves a rare feat: making a terrific original rock score serve a meaningful stage drama (see “Rent,” “Spring Awakening” and few others). It’s framed as a concert performed on an immersive bar stage (the theater audience plays the bar audience), with band numbers and character songs entwining to tell author/lyricist/co-composer Douglas Lyons' story of a bullied gay teenager finding his outlet in music thanks to his long-lost grandfather. Eight actor/musicians shine in both jobs; Matt Rodin and Jeb Brown especially glow. If the story is a bit pat (it is), chalk that up to the show's warm-heartedness. — Adam Z. Horvath

At St. Luke's Theater, through Dec. 7, 2025; beauthemusical.com. (Review date: Oct. 27, 2025)