'13', is a new-to-me musical, featuring corny American teen humour and a whole load of teenage angst and sexual frustration. This is a new musical by Jason Robert Brown, which is basically a coming-of-age story with a bit of a difference.
Evan Goldman (James Llewellyn Burke) is an almost 13-year-old Jewish boy from New York and getting ready to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah, when his mother (already separated from his father) ups sticks and moves herself and him to Appleton, Indiana - a small town in middle America just about as far removed from the Big Apple as it is possible to get. Determined to be liked, fit-in, and have a great Bar Mitzvah in any case, he goes to inordinate lengths to gain friendships and get along with everyone. Although this does have a downside, since this school and the pupils in it, are no different from most schools, where there are the (to use the Americanism relevant to this show) Jocks - the "cool" sporty kids who are not intellectuals; and then there are the other 'types' such as Geeks, Jerks, Goths, and other "socially unacceptable" groups - he finds it impossible to befriend them all and unite them all as one happy community. Things don't go well, there are mix-ups, misunderstandings, and mischief aplenty concerning the coolest guy in the school, Brett (Anthony Horrocks), the sexiest girl in the school that all the guys fancy, Kendra (Lois Ormerod), a likeable and sincere geek Patrice (Maria Collins), and a cripple on crutches, Archie (Solomon Asante-Owusu).
Of course it all works out right in the end, and Erin turns 13 a little wiser and a little happier. Yes, it is a VERY predictable show - there are no surprises in it at all; and it is also very American too, but one can see the appeal such a show would have with our contemporary youth
In this production, produced and performed by NWTAC Theatre in Moston, both a training ground for children and teenagers as well as boasting a professional theatre company, they capitalised on what they had and used their youth here to perfection. In a show which is written for a cast of almost entirely 12 - 13 year olds, it meant that most of the cast (even the youth theatre students) were acting younger; but HUGE praise must go to adult actor Anthony Horrocks for convincingly portraying the rather stupid, truculent, and single-minded bully, head jock, Brett. The principals were, as always, very well chosen. Of course, Burke was a fine and aimiable lead, playing Evan with a singular, almost predetermined, air. Lois Ormerod as Kendra, as well Francesca Collinge as her best friend, Lucy, were impressive, and worked well together in their love/hate relationship revolving around which of the two of them succeeds in 'pulling' Brett! Brett's 'gang' were funny and, as they all created their own individual characters (with nice touches such as one of them continually eating - American snacks (congrats to the props department!), but keeping a single unit despite this, they worked really well together, bringing some of the best humour to the show. Maria Collins was a hugely sympathetic and relatable Patrice, and captured the "misfit / geek" role excellently. However, for me, the highest praise must go to Asante-Owusu's portrayal of Archie. Keeping his character always just the right side of offensive, his self-deprecating humour and bonhomie was genuinely humbling. Suffering from a life-threatening muscle debilitation, he captured the gait and walk of his character perfectly, and one simply couldn't help being drawn to this comedic yet sympathetic and realistic portrayal.
A couple of things didn't work quite so well this evening, not least of which were some rather distracting microphone crackles, which continued throughout. But I think for me at least, the fight scenes, and the kisses, required a little more work. They were too pantomimic and obviously false for this reviewer. Putting your hand on the other person's mouth before you go in for the kiss is all well and good, provided you don't show the audience that that is what you're doing!
Since my last visit to the theatre, a lovely band pit - actually to the side of the stage not underneath - has been built, and the band - sounding superb under the direction of Beth Singh - were positioned there this evening.
This was a very high energy show, and it was clear that all on stage were enjoying their stage-time, and there was a real ensemble feel to the whole. Sensibly directed by Prab Singh, with hardly any set at all save a scant skyline of both NYC and Appleton, and a few larger set items brought on when necessary for each particular scene, which worked well. Highly enjoyable.
Shalom Aleichim and Mazel Tov!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 28.7.22
on - 28.7.22
ps......ADDENDUM. The programme was in the form of a Broadway Playbill - another American touch, which added to the overall feel.. nice!
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