From Costume Fittings, Birthdays and Baseball Games, an Exclusive Backstage Look at New Musical October Sky | Playbill

From Costume Fittings, Birthdays and Baseball Games, an Exclusive Backstage Look at New Musical October Sky

Director Rachel Rockwell (center) stages on the new levels, with, from left, Patrick Rooney, Alex Weisman, David Lively, Johanna McKenzie Miller, Ben Barker and Nate Lewellyn. Ensemble member, Caleb Baze, who understudies Homer and Quentin, watches from — From Costume Fittings, Birthdays and Baseball Games, an Exclusive Backstage Look at New Musical October Sky

The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, IL, and Universal Stage Productions present the official opening of the world premiere of October Sky Aug. 26, following previews that began Aug. 19. The show is a musical adaptation of the 1999 film with Jake Gyllenhaal about boys, rockets and big dreams. Joan Hess gives us a backstage look at the musical.
26 PHOTOS

A company is always greatly benefited when the leads bond well, particularly in a show like this. Our "Rocket Boys" are a terrific bunch of good-hearted young men, seen here in their shared dressing room. Alex Weissman (Quentin), Nate Lewellyn (Homer), P — A company is always greatly benefited when the leads bond well, particularly in a show like this. Our "Rocket Boys" are a terrific bunch of good-hearted young men, seen here in their shared dressing room. Alex Weissman (Quentin), Nate Lewellyn (Homer), Patrick Rooney (Roy Lee) and Ben Barker (O'Dell).

Joan Hess

From the very unglamorous moment of trying on unstyled wigs with costume designer, Theresa Ham, and wig designer Richard (Rick) Jarvie, to the amazing finished products, straight out of the fifties, seen backstage on Dara Cameron, Johanna McKenzie Miller, — From the very unglamorous moment of trying on unstyled wigs with costume designer, Theresa Ham, and wig designer Richard (Rick) Jarvie, to the amazing finished products, straight out of the fifties, seen backstage on Dara Cameron, Johanna McKenzie Miller, Joan Hess and Betsy Stewart.

Joan Hess

Even our good natured miners must don their helmets and get ready to go "Marching into Hell". (L to R) Jesse Grider, Neil Friedman, and Terry Hamilton. #dirtyjobs — Even our good natured miners must don their helmets and get ready to go "Marching into Hell". (L to R) Jesse Grider, Neil Friedman, and Terry Hamilton. #dirtyjobs

Joan Hess

Our music department works well together. Music Director, Ryan T. Nelson with Composer/Lyricist, Michael Mahler. — Our music department works well together. Music Director, Ryan T. Nelson with Composer/Lyricist, Michael Mahler.

Joan Hess

Some of our miners, including Neil Friedman (before coal dust and miner's light). And some of our dramaturgical materials. Coal mining was a filthy and dangerous enterprise. But coal was what this country ran on. — Some of our miners, including Neil Friedman (before coal dust and miner's light). And some of our dramaturgical materials. Coal mining was a filthy and dangerous enterprise. But coal was what this country ran on.

Joan Hess

Next Slide

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, fittings are happening with Costume Designer, Theresa Ham, and staff. David Hess, always bringing the humor. — Meanwhile, behind the scenes, fittings are happening with Costume Designer, Theresa Ham, and staff. David Hess, always bringing the humor.

Joan Hess

Alex Weisman, who plays Quentin, bringing some serious sock stylings to the rehearsal room. — Alex Weisman, who plays Quentin, bringing some serious sock stylings to the rehearsal room.

Joan Hess

Our first celebration was for birthday boy, David Hess, who plays John Hickam. Cake for all! With cast members Elizabeth Telford and me, Joan Hess. #bigcastmeanslotsacake — Our first celebration was for birthday boy, David Hess, who plays John Hickam. Cake for all! With cast members Elizabeth Telford and me, Joan Hess. #bigcastmeanslotsacake

Joan Hess

Nate Lewellyn, who plays Homer Hickam, rehearsing on the set for the first time. In the background, on the right, one of the many unsung heroes of this process, our terrific Rehearsal Pianist, Kevin Reeks. — Nate Lewellyn, who plays Homer Hickam, rehearsing on the set for the first time. In the background, on the right, one of the many unsung heroes of this process, our terrific Rehearsal Pianist, Kevin Reeks.

Joan Hess

One of my favorite moments in rehearsal, when our director, Rachel Rockwell put the "men in a pen", as I referred to it. #whohasthepowernow Derek Hasenstab, Jameson Cooper, J Michael Finley and Liam Quealy. — One of my favorite moments in rehearsal, when our director, Rachel Rockwell put the "men in a pen", as I referred to it. #whohasthepowernow Derek Hasenstab, Jameson Cooper, J Michael Finley and Liam Quealy.

Joan Hess

With more tech elements in place, the miners in the elevator. I wish you could hear the amazing sound effects designed for this number by our Sound Designer, Robert E. Gilmartin. Chilling. — With more tech elements in place, the miners in the elevator. I wish you could hear the amazing sound effects designed for this number by our Sound Designer, Robert E. Gilmartin. Chilling.

Joan Hess

Notes with the music department in one of the dressing rooms. Music Director Ryan T. Nelson, Composer/Lyricist Michael Mahler surrounded by cast members. — Notes with the music department in one of the dressing rooms. Music Director Ryan T. Nelson, Composer/Lyricist Michael Mahler surrounded by cast members.

Joan Hess

Director Rachel Rockwell (center) stages on the new levels, with, from left, Patrick Rooney, Alex Weisman, David Lively, Johanna McKenzie Miller, Ben Barker and Nate Lewellyn. Ensemble member, Caleb Baze, who understudies Homer and Quentin, watches from — Director Rachel Rockwell (center) stages on the new levels, with, from left, Patrick Rooney, Alex Weisman, David Lively, Johanna McKenzie Miller, Ben Barker and Nate Lewellyn. Ensemble member, Caleb Baze, who understudies Homer and Quentin, watches from the front row.

Joan Hess

Fittings continue in the dressing rooms. Betsy Stewart is being tended to by Costume Design Assistant, Erin Steilen. — Fittings continue in the dressing rooms. Betsy Stewart is being tended to by Costume Design Assistant, Erin Steilen.

Joan Hess

The Marriott Theatre fed us all pizza on photo night. The Rocket Boys, Nate Lewellyn, Patrick Rooney, Alex Weisman and Ben Barker enjoy a few slices in their dressing room. David Hess and Nate Lewellyn, who play father and son John and Homer Hickam, get r — The Marriott Theatre fed us all pizza on photo night. The Rocket Boys, Nate Lewellyn, Patrick Rooney, Alex Weisman and Ben Barker enjoy a few slices in their dressing room. David Hess and Nate Lewellyn, who play father and son John and Homer Hickam, get ready for their close up (top right)

Joan Hess

The Hickam family, played by Susan Moniz, David Hess and Nate Lewellyn, rehearsing on our taped-out floor. The dining set transporting us right back to the 1950s, when our story takes place. — The Hickam family, played by Susan Moniz, David Hess and Nate Lewellyn, rehearsing on our taped-out floor. The dining set transporting us right back to the 1950s, when our story takes place.

Joan Hess

A few finishing touches in rehearsal and a lot of goodwill. (Clockwise from top left) Jesse Grider, J. Michael Finley, James Earl Jones II, Patrick Lane, Jonny Stein, Betsy Stewart, Patrick Rooney and David Lively. And, with spirits high, we "Look to t — A few finishing touches in rehearsal and a lot of goodwill. (Clockwise from top left) Jesse Grider, J. Michael Finley, James Earl Jones II, Patrick Lane, Jonny Stein, Betsy Stewart, Patrick Rooney and David Lively. And, with spirits high, we "Look to the Stars".

Joan Hess

Backstage, cast members Eliza Palasz, Jamie Cooper and Jonny Stein enjoy a game together in a dressing room. — Backstage, cast members Eliza Palasz, Jamie Cooper and Jonny Stein enjoy a game together in a dressing room.

Joan Hess

Our happy cast right before we step onto the field to sing for a crowd of over 30,000. And, as it turns out, we're right at home singing about "rockets red glare". #OctoberSky #MarriottTheatre #looktothestars — Our happy cast right before we step onto the field to sing for a crowd of over 30,000. And, as it turns out, we're right at home singing about "rockets red glare". #OctoberSky #MarriottTheatre #looktothestars

Joan Hess

Nate Lewellyn and Ben Barker are all smiles. — Nate Lewellyn and Ben Barker are all smiles.

Joan Hess

The company arriving at historic Wrigley Field. My first time! — The company arriving at historic Wrigley Field. My first time!

Joan Hess

It's wonderful to have Alex Weisman back. #supportbyelmo — It's wonderful to have Alex Weisman back. #supportbyelmo

Joan Hess

It takes a village. Truly. This is Bob Silton, our sole backstage crew man, in costume, waiting to set some props in the next scene. And always with a smile. — It takes a village. Truly. This is Bob Silton, our sole backstage crew man, in costume, waiting to set some props in the next scene. And always with a smile.

Joan Hess

Just because the show is open, doesn't mean the work ends. The week after we opened, we were right back in rehearsal, "putting in" understudy Caleb Baze as Quentin for two shows. He did a terrific job! — Just because the show is open, doesn't mean the work ends. The week after we opened, we were right back in rehearsal, "putting in" understudy Caleb Baze as Quentin for two shows. He did a terrific job!

Joan Hess

Our cast was also asked to sing the National Anthem at a Cubs game! Here, cast member Patrick Lane rehearses the violin accompaniment to an arrangement by our composer, Michael Mahler. #multitalented — Our cast was also asked to sing the National Anthem at a Cubs game! Here, cast member Patrick Lane rehearses the violin accompaniment to an arrangement by our composer, Michael Mahler. #multitalented

Joan Hess

Triumph! Caleb Baze, Nate Lewellyn, Patrick Rooney and Ben Barker in rehearsal. — Triumph! Caleb Baze, Nate Lewellyn, Patrick Rooney and Ben Barker in rehearsal.

Joan Hess

Director Rachel Rockwell (center) stages on the new levels, with, from left, Patrick Rooney, Alex Weisman, David Lively, Johanna McKenzie Miller, Ben Barker and Nate Lewellyn. Ensemble member, Caleb Baze, who understudies Homer and Quentin, watches from

A company is always greatly benefited when the leads bond well, particularly in a show like this. Our "Rocket Boys" are a terrific bunch of good-hearted young men, seen here in their shared dressing room. Alex Weissman (Quentin), Nate Lewellyn (Homer), P

From the very unglamorous moment of trying on unstyled wigs with costume designer, Theresa Ham, and wig designer Richard (Rick) Jarvie, to the amazing finished products, straight out of the fifties, seen backstage on Dara Cameron, Johanna McKenzie Miller,

Even our good natured miners must don their helmets and get ready to go "Marching into Hell". (L to R) Jesse Grider, Neil Friedman, and Terry Hamilton. #dirtyjobs

Our music department works well together. Music Director, Ryan T. Nelson with Composer/Lyricist, Michael Mahler.

Some of our miners, including Neil Friedman (before coal dust and miner's light). And some of our dramaturgical materials. Coal mining was a filthy and dangerous enterprise. But coal was what this country ran on.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, fittings are happening with Costume Designer, Theresa Ham, and staff. David Hess, always bringing the humor.

Alex Weisman, who plays Quentin, bringing some serious sock stylings to the rehearsal room.

Our first celebration was for birthday boy, David Hess, who plays John Hickam. Cake for all! With cast members Elizabeth Telford and me, Joan Hess. #bigcastmeanslotsacake

Nate Lewellyn, who plays Homer Hickam, rehearsing on the set for the first time. In the background, on the right, one of the many unsung heroes of this process, our terrific Rehearsal Pianist, Kevin Reeks.

One of my favorite moments in rehearsal, when our director, Rachel Rockwell put the "men in a pen", as I referred to it. #whohasthepowernow Derek Hasenstab, Jameson Cooper, J Michael Finley and Liam Quealy.

With more tech elements in place, the miners in the elevator. I wish you could hear the amazing sound effects designed for this number by our Sound Designer, Robert E. Gilmartin. Chilling.

Notes with the music department in one of the dressing rooms. Music Director Ryan T. Nelson, Composer/Lyricist Michael Mahler surrounded by cast members.

Director Rachel Rockwell (center) stages on the new levels, with, from left, Patrick Rooney, Alex Weisman, David Lively, Johanna McKenzie Miller, Ben Barker and Nate Lewellyn. Ensemble member, Caleb Baze, who understudies Homer and Quentin, watches from

Fittings continue in the dressing rooms. Betsy Stewart is being tended to by Costume Design Assistant, Erin Steilen.

The Marriott Theatre fed us all pizza on photo night. The Rocket Boys, Nate Lewellyn, Patrick Rooney, Alex Weisman and Ben Barker enjoy a few slices in their dressing room. David Hess and Nate Lewellyn, who play father and son John and Homer Hickam, get r

The Hickam family, played by Susan Moniz, David Hess and Nate Lewellyn, rehearsing on our taped-out floor. The dining set transporting us right back to the 1950s, when our story takes place.

A few finishing touches in rehearsal and a lot of goodwill. (Clockwise from top left) Jesse Grider, J. Michael Finley, James Earl Jones II, Patrick Lane, Jonny Stein, Betsy Stewart, Patrick Rooney and David Lively. And, with spirits high, we "Look to t

Backstage, cast members Eliza Palasz, Jamie Cooper and Jonny Stein enjoy a game together in a dressing room.

Our happy cast right before we step onto the field to sing for a crowd of over 30,000. And, as it turns out, we're right at home singing about "rockets red glare". #OctoberSky #MarriottTheatre #looktothestars

Nate Lewellyn and Ben Barker are all smiles.

The company arriving at historic Wrigley Field. My first time!

It's wonderful to have Alex Weisman back. #supportbyelmo

It takes a village. Truly. This is Bob Silton, our sole backstage crew man, in costume, waiting to set some props in the next scene. And always with a smile.

Just because the show is open, doesn't mean the work ends. The week after we opened, we were right back in rehearsal, "putting in" understudy Caleb Baze as Quentin for two shows. He did a terrific job!

Our cast was also asked to sing the National Anthem at a Cubs game! Here, cast member Patrick Lane rehearses the violin accompaniment to an arrangement by our composer, Michael Mahler. #multitalented

Triumph! Caleb Baze, Nate Lewellyn, Patrick Rooney and Ben Barker in rehearsal.

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