Geek. Poser. Jock. Beauty Queen. Wannabe. These are the labels that can last a lifetime. With an unforgettable rock score from Tony Award-winning composer, Jason Robert Brown, (Parade, The Last Five Years, Bridges of Madison County) 13 is a musical about fitting in – and standing out!
Evan Goldman is plucked from his fast-paced, preteen New York City life and plopped into a sleepy Indiana town following his parents' divorce. Surrounded by an array of simpleminded middle school students, he needs to establish his place in the popularity pecking order. Can he situate himself on a comfortable link of the food chain... or will he dangle at the end with the outcasts?!?
Composed of a precocious cast, no character in 13 is older than the show's title, making it wonderful for theatre companies that feature young artists. In the Broadway production, even the band was made up of teens, which is a fantastic way to involve a diverse group of artists. The cast is comprised entirely of teenagers, but the stories that come to life here are ageless, the emotions they explore timeless, the laughter and the memories they provide priceless.
Just finished a production of 13. LOVE LOVE LOVE this sweetly innocent funny sassy show..and yes, I said innocent. BUT I am getting A LOT of flack from my community. I was so shocked...all I saw were these typical/stereotypical characters played by lovely children experiencing awkwardness and beauty...I have found out there have been calls to my superintendent and my principal about the content. I thought I had lost my mind. I thought I had been punked. Have I missed the adolescent curiosity and exploration? The fear of being rejected for , well, anything? The need to be accepted and the desperation to be a part of something? I have NEVER shied away from any conversation with my students. I answer simply the questions asked, and I always refer them to their parents first for their input. Many colleagues are reeling as well. I didn't think it was insulting or complicated at all. I thought and still think it was beautiful and funny and uncomfortable and amazing...just like adolescence. Please advise. How do I bring a community back together? The knives in my back are beginning to sting.
Here's my 2nd try at posting this!I'm thinking about putting on 13 with my middle school students this year. Ironically (unfortunately) I think the show may inappropriate (language, themes) to be put on at a public school. Anyone have any thoughts on this , or how to "clean" up the show?Also, I saw the show on Broadway, and realize there was a good deal of material cut from the version that is available for production. Is it possible to make the same cuts? It seems to make sense that if the creators made these cuts for a more successful show, that they intended to keep these cuts for successful future productions. I know shows are to be performed as written, but it seems these cuts would enhance the show. Any ideas?
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