Directed by Hub Theatre artistic director Helen Pafumi, the limited engagement will continue through Dec. 30.

The musical is based on Acito's award-winning novel of the same name, which was published in 2004. According to press notes, "It is the hilarious yet heartwarming tale of a talented but irresponsible teen actor who schemes to steal his tuition money when his wealthy father refuses to pay for acting school. Seventeen-year-old Edward Zanni, a feckless Ferris Bueller type, is Peter-Panning his way through life with his screwball theater friends. When his businessman father remarries and pulls the plug on Edward's dreams, the aspiring thespian turns to a life of disorganized crime. At its heart, How I Paid For College is about how far you are willing to go to make a dream come true. It's a story for anyone who's ever had a dream...and a scheme."

Brightman, whose Broadway credits include Wicked and Glory Days, will play dozens of roles in the production, which is described as a "monologsical."

Other members of the creative team include Kristen Morgan (set design), Jimmy Lawlor (lighting design), Matthew Nielson (sound design), Maria Vetsch (costume design) and Rebecca Griffith (stage manager).

The John Swayze Theatre is located inside the New School of Northern Virginia. For more information and tickets, call (800) 494-8497 or visit TheHubTheatre.org.