About
London's Olivier-winning folk musical lands at the Public: 15 actor-musicians spin Fitzgerald's backward-aging tale in a Cornish fishing village.
Fifteen actor-musicians make the music onstage in this retelling of Fitzgerald's story about a man who is born old and grows younger, moved to a fishing village on the Cornish coast. It won Best New Musical at the 2025 Olivier Awards after a West End run, and previews of its North American premiere start this week with Dead Outlaw's Andrew Durand in the title role. If you like your musicals intimate and handmade rather than glossy, get in early.
What to expect
A love story that defies the usual arc of a life, told with songs played live by the 15-person company, who double as the band. The setting is a small fishing village on the Cornish coast, and the evening is listed at about two and a half hours in the Public's Newman Theater.
Good to know
- Take the 6 to Astor Place or the R/W to 8 St–NYU; the Public is at 425 Lafayette Street.
- Early performances are previews ahead of opening night.
- The run has already been extended by a week, a sign demand is strong.
- The Public's lobby bar is a good pre-show meeting spot.
- Budget roughly two and a half hours for the performance.
Common questions
Is this based on the Brad Pitt movie?
No, it's a new stage musical adapted directly from F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story, with an original folk-inflected score.
Who plays Benjamin Button?
Tony nominee Andrew Durand leads a company of 15 actor-musicians.
How long is the run at the Public?
Previews begin October 8, 2026, opening is October 21, and performances are scheduled through November 22, 2026.