We're back with the last installment of our short series that tells the story of world premiere musical Freak The Mighty, Bringing the Page to the Stage—this time with book and lyrics composer Anthony Drewe. Read on to learn more about Drewe’s Freak The Mighty journey. 

^{Anthony Drewe. Photo courtesy of the artist.}

Anthony Drewe (AD): My first encounter with Maxwell and Kevin was in the mid 90s when a friend and collaborator of mine, the late Willis Hall, said he had seen a movie that he thought was ‘a natural’ for a musical. I watched The Mighty and loved it but, as I was working on other projects, shut it away in the back of my mind—but I never forgot about it.

Coming out of the COVID pandemic I was looking not only for a new project to work on, but also for a new composing collaborator, as my long-term writing partner George Stiles was recovering from a debilitating stroke. In April 2022 I invited my New York-based friend, composer Ryan Fielding Garrett, to my house in France to kick some ideas around. It was at that moment that Freak The Mighty made its way back to the forefront of my mind. Ryan and I read Rodman Philbrick’s novel and started writing—on spec. We were three songs in when we agreed it was a project we wanted to pursue. I duly wrote to Rodman asking if the stage rights might be available.

^{Netza Jimenez and Cornelius Kittrell in Freak The Mighty (2026) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.}

On 29th April 2022 Rod replied, “I’m flattered that such an accomplished lyricist thinks Freak the Mighty has possibilities as a stage musical. Here’s the situation: the work is currently under option for development as stage play.”

Not crestfallen, I immediately sent Rod a recording of our first song, 'Before You'.

Rod replied, “Great song! No idea if there is any space for another option at this time (I fear not) but there’s no harm in finding out.”

I wrote to Rod’s literary agent in New York, and subsequently to an agent in the UK who handled the theatrical rights—an agent who, by chance, seemed to know who I was. The door was not completely closed.

On 5th May 2022, Rod wrote, “My fingers are firmly crossed.”

^{Astrid Van Wieren and Netza Jimenez in Freak The Mighty (2026) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.}

Then, on 10th May 2022, “Great news! The path is clear for an option for a musical adaptation in the US. As you know, Freak the Mighty has been optioned before, but never by anyone of your talent and stage cred. I am, therefore, very optimistic about the project, and will this evening sacrifice one martini, very dry, to the gods of theatre.”

Within nine months, Ryan and I had a completed our first draft.

On 5th January 2023, I sent the materials to my friends Sue Frost and Randy Adams, and their producing partners, Kenny and Marlene Alhadeff at Junkyard Dog Productions. Now, just over three years later, with their godparenting, and with our co-producers, Cleveland Play House and Seattle Rep, here we are at the World Premiere.

^{Cornelius Kittrell, Caleb Miofsky, and Harter Clingman in Freak The Mighty (2026) at Seattle Rep. Photo by Bronwen Houck.}

It has been an incredible ride, and I am hugely grateful to everyone along the way who has participated in the readings, workshops and now the first full production. Mostly, of course, I am a grateful to Rodman for trusting me with his uplifting story and Ryan, who I believe is making an astonishing debut with his first ever musical.

It's the VERY LAST WEEKEND to catch the world premiere of Freak The Mighty. See it at Seattle Rep while you can! Must close September 6.

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