Read beyond the page and stage. Get to know the main characters of world-premiere musical Freak The Mighty and discover more about the themes and perspectives at the heart of the show.

Understanding Kevin “Freak” Avery

by Pamela DiPasquale with Sofiya Cheyenne & Talleri A. McRae, Cleveland Play House

Kevin Avery, who calls himself “Freak,” is a central character in Freak The Mighty. He is a little person; he has dwarfism. Doctors believe Kevin has symptoms of a rare condition (Morquio syndrome) that causes his type of dwarfism. Kevin is also imaginative, confident, and deeply intelligent. Kevin loves stories of knights and quests, and he uses his creativity to transform the world around him.

When thinking about Kevin, it’s important to remember that disability is not just about a person’s diagnoses. It is also about how the world is designed both physically and socially. The social model of disability reminds us that many challenges come from environments or attitudes that are not built with all people in mind. Kevin’s experiences reflect this: he navigates a world that isn’t always accessible, while bringing his own strengths and perspective to it.

Kevin’s disabilities affect his physical body, not his intelligence or imagination. Like many little people and disabled individuals, he uses adaptations and support when needed, but he also leads with his ideas, humor, and sense of adventure. People with dwarfism and other disabilities live full, independent lives across many fields and interests.

As audience members, practicing respect and awareness matters. Some key ideas:

• Use respectful language (for example: “person with a disability,” “person with dwarfism,” “disabled,” “little person,” or simply the person’s name)
• Do not touch someone or their mobility device without permission
• Avoid staring. Treat disabled people with dignity as you would anyone else.
• Be curious and respectful. Kevin does not exist to be pitied or “inspiring” for others. He is a complex, fully realized person.

Finally, raise awareness and share information! To learn more about rare progressive diseases marked by enzyme deficiencies known as mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), including Morquio Syndrome, please visit the National MPS Society's website.

Understanding Maxwell “Mighty” Kane

by Peter Ogbuji, Cleveland Play House; Edited by Sofiya Cheyenne & Talleri A. McRae

In Freak The Mighty, Maxwell (Max) Kane lives with the emotional impact of violence, loss, and fear connected to his family history. Because his father has caused harm through abuse and violence, people fear that Max may someday become the same kind of violent person. This affects the way Max sees himself and how he relates to others around him. Max is often misunderstood because of his large physical size. People sometimes make assumptions about him before getting to know him, which can leave him feeling isolated and unsure of his own worth. Rather than expressing his emotions openly, Max tends to keep his thoughts and fears inside, a response that can develop in young people who have experienced fear, instability, or emotional pain.

Throughout the play, Max questions his identity, choices, and belonging. He wonders whether people are defined by their past experiences or whether their future is shaped by their own values, choices, and relationships.

The story also highlights the importance of connection, empathy, and support. Through friendship and shared experiences, Max slowly begins to see his own strengths, including his compassion, loyalty, and emotional awareness. His journey reminds audiences that people can develop a stronger sense of self through trust, resilience, and supportive relationships.

Witness Kevin and Max's journey on stage in Freak The Mighty, now playing through Sept. 6 at Seattle Rep.

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^{Cornelius Kittrell (Kevin Avery) and Netza Jimenez (Maxwell Kane) in Freak The Mighty at Cleveland Play House (2026). Photos by Roger Mastroianni.}