Industry readings of Too Bright To See, a new musical adaptation of the award-winning novel by Kyle Lukoff, will be held December 16 at 3 PM and 7 PM at Judson Memorial.

The musical, which explores grief, friendship, and self-discovery through the eyes of a trans child, has a book and lyrics by Mika Kauffman (MAXA) and music and lyrics by Spicer Carr (Four Lost Santas). 

Directed by Heath Saunders (Nikola) with music direction by Saúl Nache (Hip Hop Cinderella), the readings will feature Fin Gagnon (The Civility of Albert Cashier) as Bug, Blanca Del Loco (Jesus Christ Superstar) as Moira, Max Raymond (Charlotte Lucas) as Griffin, Samy Nour Younes Figaredo (Parrots at the Pagoda) as Roderick, Evan Michael Smith (Antonio) as Sabrina, and Kristyn Michele (The Civility of Albert Cashier) as Thomas. 

The ensemble includes Alexa Belli, Nat Elder, Mark Medez Muñoz, and Reese Brooks.

The musical follows Bug, an 11-year-old dealing with the death of his beloved Uncle Roderick and the sudden appearance of a ghost. As Bug tries to solve the mystery of this spirit, he confronts a far more complex question: the truth of his own identity.

“By placing a trans child at the center of a universal story, we’re not only normalizing our community’s existence, we’re proudly screaming that trans kids belong,” stated Kauffman. “I can’t wait for a trans child to see themself on stage.”

“I am so pleased to help bring such an ambitious, delicate, and caring musical into the world with some of the most ambitious, delicate, and caring artists that I know,” added director Saunders. “I'm not ready to say what I think the show is going to be yet—but I am more than ready to find out together.”

Kauffman and Chloe Elentári are producing the readings at a time marked by rising legislative attacks and political scrutiny targeting trans youth across the country.

Industry professionals wishing to attend the reading should email [email protected].