13! A New Musical

Hey I haven't posted in forever, but I have been writing a bunch of critical theatre essays lately and I figure I might as well post them up! This first one is about 13 which performed at VYT theatre in Phoenix last month.

Jason Robert Brown’s more recent new work, 13! A new musical, had its southwest premiere here in the valley at the Herberger Theatre center this February. 13! A new musical is about a 12-year-old, Evan Goldberg, and his move to Appleton, Indiana from New York City, his adjustment to being the new kid, and his efforts in throwing the perfect Bar Mitzvah all while turning 13. The production presented by Valley Youth Theatre was a successful one that brought together talented kids from around the valley. Their production was a glimpse into the real life struggles of young teenagers growing up today. VYT used kids who were around the same age of their characters with no actors older than 15 years old. They brought the reality of the show’s issues to the forefront by using young teenagers so that the audience may realize that it isn’t a parody but a semi-realistic example of junior high today. Their talent shone through, proving that it doesn’t matter how old you are, age shouldn’t limit your abilities.

The set design was helpful to the production, allowing the audience to see a multitude of settings so that each of the characters presented had a place to which they could associate with and belong to. Each of the main characters had their own bedroom with pseudo-walls to help personalize them so that the audience could relate with the individual characters.

The young actors were able to embody their characters quite well, adapting to the differences in their movements as compared to their own based upon their characters’ circumstances. Eighth grader Maxx Carlisle-King played the comedic role of Archie, the paraplegic outsider. Carlisle-King embodied the character well, showing the difficulties he faced in everyday life, in both dramatic and comedic ways. Carlisle-King added a large sense of comic relief to otherwise stressful scenes.

Two characters who added personality and life to the performance were the cool kid’s sidekicks, Malcolm and Eddie, played by Devin Sanders and Bransen Gates. Their lively performance and the powerful vocals they showcased stole the performance. Their energy and use of the stage to engage the audience helped bring the story along, providing yet another entertaining component.

Clare Emmert, who played the outcast Patrice, lacked some of the necessary acting prowess but made up for it in vocals. Emmert tackled some very challenging songs and pulled them off with ease. The power of her songs was used to demonstrate that while she may be seen as inferior to the popular crowd at school, it doesn’t mean that she will be held back by it.

The overall performance was effective in bringing forth the issues that face many young teenagers today as they grow up and experience changes in themselves and the changes in the world around them. Through set design, vocals, movement and acting, the production team and cast of Valley Youth Theatre’s performance of 13! A new musical provided the audience with an entertaining evening and an insight into the craziness and struggles in junior high schools.