Industry readings of the new rock musical Fat Kid Rules The World, based on the novel by K. L. Going, will be presented October 27–28 at New 42nd Street Studios in Manhattan. 

Directed by Marc Erdahi and choreographed by Ellenore Scott, the cast will include Cole Ragsdale (Gigantic) as Troy, Jimmy Brewer (Kinky Boots) as Curt, Jeff Kready (Company), Michael William Nigro (Christmas Spectacular), Yael “Yaya” Reich (Hadestown), Samantha Pauly (Six), Mamie Parris (Cats), Sophia Alawi, Kerri George, Polanco Jones, Jr. (Black No More), Jay McKenzie (Paradise Square), Jenny Mollet (The Color Purple), Daniel Quadrino (Wicked), Alanna Saunders (Harry Potter and The Cursed Child), Emerson Steele (Violet), and Michael Lee Brown (Dear Evan Hansen). 

Featuring a book by Jay Falzone and Nick Naveda, music by Matt Gumley and Evan Jay Newman, and lyrics by Falzone, the new musical follows Troy Billings (Ragsdale), who is isolated at school, unsupported by his father and brother, mourning the loss of his mother, and ready to jump, but he steps back from the edge after a chance encounter with a local legend, Curt MacCrae (Brewer), the lead guitarist of Troy’s favorite band, who draws Troy into his circle and helps him find a new beat. 

The creative team also includes costume designer Gregory Gale, sound designer Jessica Paz, music supervisor and arrranger Will Van Dyke, orchestrator Macy Schmidt, and music director Lily Ling. Casting is by Binder Casting/Jarrett Reiche with general management by Chris Aniello for Live Wire Theatricals. The associate director is Jane Skapek, and the associate choreographer is Jeffrey Gugliotti.

Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon, and Robert Ahrens produce.