The story of a charismatic young Irish guitarist, Louis Connelly (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and a sheltered young cellist, Lyla Novacek (Keri Russell) who have a chance encounter one magical night above New York's Washington Square, but are soon torn apart, leaving in their wake an infant, August Rush, orphaned by circumstance. Now performing on the streets of New York and cared for by a mysterious stranger, August uses his remarkable musical talent to seek the parents from whom he was separated at birth.

Washington Square North, Greenwich Village, Manhattan.   Washington Square Park Washington Square Park is one of the best-known of New York City's 1,900 public parks. At 9.75 acres (39,500 m2), it is a landmark in the Manhattan neighbourhood of Greenwich Village, as well as a meeting place and centre for cultural activity. It is operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. An open space with a tradition of nonconformity, the park's fountain area has long been one of the city's popular spots for residents and tourists. Most of the buildings surrounding the park now belong to New York University. Some of the buildings have been built by NYU, others have been converted from their former uses into academic and residential buildings. The university rents the park for its graduation ceremonies, and uses the Arch as a symbol. Although NYU considers the park to be the core of the school's campus, Washington Square remains a public park, which local residents have protected as an essential part of the neighbourhood.

Sherry Netherland Hotel, 781 5th Avenue and East 59th Street, Manhattan.

Times Square (Broadway, 7th Avenue, West 42nd and 47th Streets) Manhattan.

Union Square Station, East 14th Street, Manhattan.

Lincoln Center, Columbus Avenue (btw West 63rd and 64th Streets) Manhattan.

Irving Plaza, Irving Place and East 15th Street, Manhattan.

Sheep Meadow, Central Park (btw 66th and 69th Streets) Manhattan.