If I were a critic

Sarah and Mary in 13 discussing what it means to be a "good girl."

We are told 13: The Musical is a grown up show about growing up. After seeing last weekend’s Broadway Bound production at Seattle’s ACT Theatre, I believe the show has something for everyone. The big lessons of the show – be true to whom you really are and jerks will be jerks – are obvious but delivered in an honest, pithy, hilarious and often poignant manner by the teen-only cast.

Adam Westerman, who plays the lead role of Evan Goldman, is a natural on stage. He is extremely believable as he journeys from a boy who schemes to be popular to a young man who is just beginning to glean the wisdom that teen years deliver.

 

Elliott Moore plays the quirky character, Patrice. Moore has a voice that is wonderfully raw with emotion and she delivers a particularly heartfelt rendition of a song about friendship that reminds every one of us what it felt like to be deceived in junior high or middle school.

Michael Kaczkowski nails his bullying character, Brett, with gusto, humor and an honesty that actually makes us like the goofy guy even though he is leading all of his gang down the wrong path. Tyler Maez sensitively plays Archie, a character with a degenerative disease, and croons through his lines and songs flawlessly. The beautiful Sarah Torres, who plays Lucy, commands the stage and plays the evil character with great aplomb. Mary Armintrout, who plays the ditzy but growing up Kendra, understands the depth her character demands.

Other standouts include Evan Pruitt and Isaiah Conway, the two young men who play Brett’s goons, Eddie and Malcolm. The two epitomize middle school boys as they dance, sing and leap through their side-splitting lines. The ensemble in 13 is impeccable. They stay in character throughout the show and support the leads brilliantly. Perhaps it is because all of the teens in the show have had to live through some of the very experiences they are depicting on stage or perhaps it is because they had great direction from their director, choreographer and musical director, but whatever the reason, each character – even those with much smaller parts – helps create a sparkling tone. The closing number showcases the ensemble including three fabulous female singers. The band is terrific but, at times, too loud. The choreography is wonderful and depicts the movements of teenagers whether living in New York City or Appleton, Indiana. I recommend this show for every human being who has ever been or will someday be a teenager.

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~ by ewesterman on December 14, 2011.