In the August section what turned out more favorably than August thought it would?

That would be the school play. The play is incredible, and Via and Justin deliver exceptional performances. The Pullmans make their way backstage to congratulate the actors and actresses, and the family dotes on Via. Via says that Miranda got sick right before the show started: there was not even time to make an announcement about the switch. Via introduces her family to her director, Mr. Davenport, who tells the Pullmans that they should be very proud. Yet he freezes when he looks at Auggie for the first time. As Auggie's parents and Via mill around in the crowd, Auggie suddenly finds himself alone -- until someone hugs him from behind, and he realizes that it is Miranda.