The Bagley Wright Theater at 155 Mercer Street lights up on July 30 for a world premiere musical that already tested its legs in Cleveland this spring.

"Freak the Mighty," based on Rodman Philbrick's novel that millions of middle schoolers have dog-eared over the past three decades, begins preview performances at Seattle Rep with a run stretching through September 6.

The production carries serious Broadway pedigree. Junkyard Dog Productions, the Tony Award-winning team behind "Come From Away" and "Memphis," shepherded the show from page to stage. Anthony Drewe, who wrote additional songs for the Broadway "Mary Poppins," penned the book and lyrics. Ryan Fielding Garrett, whose music direction credits include "Wicked," "Kinky Boots," and "Back to the Future," composed the score.

The story follows Maxwell Kane and Kevin "Freak" Avery, two teens in the early 1990s who feel like outsiders until they find each other. Families who read the book together or remember the 1998 film "The Mighty" will recognize the bones.

It hits different on stage.

Director Michael Barakiva, who also serves as artistic director of Cleveland Play House, first staged the show as a co-production in Cleveland that ran May 22 through June 21 before transferring to Seattle.

One cast member bridges both Tony-winning productions: Astrid Van Wieren, who plays Gram, performed in the original "Come From Away" from its first La Jolla run through its final Broadway curtain call.

What to know before you go

Where: Bagley Wright Theater, Seattle Rep, 155 Mercer Street (Lower Queen Anne, steps from the Space Needle on the Seattle Center campus)

When: Previews begin Thursday, July 30. The run continues through Sunday, September 6.

Tickets: $39–$99 through seattlerep.org or the box office at 206-443-2222.

Accessibility: Open captioning performances are scheduled for Tuesday, August 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 8 at 2 p.m.

For teens: Young Rep Night on Friday, August 21 starts with a free pre-show reception at 6:30 p.m. before the 7:30 p.m. curtain. TeenTix members can grab two tickets for $5 each on Fridays.

The full performance schedule is available at seattlerep.org or by calling the box office.