13: The Musical - 4 out of 5 stars
NOW Productions
TICKETS: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1555212
13: The Musical isn’t a widely recognised musical, particularly as it is aimed at teenage performers, and yet it is a hilarious coming-of-age story with themes similar to Heathers – just for a younger audience. The musical opens with main character Evan planning the ultimate Bar Mitzvah in New York City, but following his parents’ divorce, he finds out he is moving to Appleton, Indiana. Upon arriving in the sleepy town, he quickly realises he needs to establish his place in the popularity pecking order.
Director Emily Cumming, Music Director Cameron Walker, and
Choreographer Molly Richardson work cohesively to bring this vibrant production
to life. Cumming’s direction maintains a strong narrative clarity, allowing
space for the young performers to explore character and comedic timing. Walker
ensures the musical numbers are delivered with confidence and consistency,
supporting the cast along the way. Richardson’s choreography is energetic and
well-suited to the performers, adding visual dynamism without overwhelming the
storytelling, yet giving those confident more to tackle. Together, the creative
team crafts an engaging production that highlights ensemble work and individual
talent.
NYC Cast – 25th June, 7pm
Flick Barry as Evan is adept in the role and carries the
substantial demands of the show with ease. There are moments within his various
songs that feel slightly out of his register, causing the volume to momentarily
drop; however, Barry clearly relishes the opportunities within his larger
musical numbers, including one of many numbers, “All Hail the Brain”
where his confidence and stage presence shine.
Kiara Gollop makes her SA debut with NOW Productions as
Patrice and fits in exceedingly well with the rest of the cast. She is
proficient in portraying the shy geek throughout much of the musical while also
exploring the character’s emotional depth, creating someone the audience can
genuinely empathise with. Her breakout number, “The Lamest Place in the
World,” silences the audience, and then she continues to impress throughout
the rest of the musical.
Emma Meldrum covers Archie in both casts and does so
exceptionally well. Through strong commitment to the character, Meldrum
delivers a terminally ill character that the audience instantly adores,
receiving one of the loudest cheers during Opening Night bows. Archie’s cheeky
nature and tendency to exploit his illness are handled with charm, and Meldrum
pulls out all the stops to create an endearing and humorous performance.
Brett is hilariously portrayed by Bri Bull, who approaches
the role with a clear understanding of both its comedic potential and its
underlying sincerity. Bull‘s interactions with other characters are confident
and well-paced, and he maintains consistent characterisation throughout,
ensuring Brett feels purposeful even when his motivations are singularly
focused on impressing others—particularly in his pursuit of Kendra.
His jock entourage, Malcolm and Eddie, are portrayed by
Edison Dutch and Kane Barry, bringing THE funniest moments to the stage. During
a brief stumble on lyrics, they recover seamlessly, leaning into the moment
with humour and turning it into an entertaining highlight. Their interactions
with Brett are strong, and the trio plays off each other effectively from their
first appearance in “Hey Kendra.”
Kendra, portrayed by Paetyn Slater, embodies the beauty
queen cheerleader archetype with ease. Slater captures both the surface-level
confidence and the fleeting moments of vulnerability within the character,
allowing glimpses of softness before quickly returning to Kendra’s polished
exterior.
Lucy is the quintessential “mean girl”, and Belle Coulson
executes this role exceedingly well, becoming unapologetically manipulative.
Highlights include her ring-leadership in “It Can’t Be True” and her impressive
vocals in “Getting Ready.” As a self-proclaimed triple threat, Coulson’s
dance ability is also noteworthy, particularly in her appearances as a
Cheerleader/Dancer in the alternative performances, where she delivers some
impressive choreography.
As the only adult cast member, Darren Oster holds his own in
his role as the Rabbi and earns recognition for his performance, particularly
given his relatively recent introduction to theatre at the age of 51.
Atlanta Cast – 26th June, 7pm
Tayla Meldrum tackles Evan with energy and delivers a
well-rounded performance. From early on, there are subtle, well-considered
moments in her interactions with other characters, demonstrating a strong
foundation in character choices and relationships. Meldrum handles the musical
demands effectively, maintaining audience engagement throughout.
Ava Heintze portrays a convincing Patrice, establishing
early on her friendship and hidden feelings for Evan in “The Lamest Place in
the World.” The developing storyline is engaging, with smaller moments
drawing both laughs and emotional investment. “What It Means to Be a Friend”
stands out as a highlight.
Jasper Dutch is brilliant as Brett, working effectively with
his entourage. His comedic timing lands well, particularly in moments such as
writing notes across his body during “Tell Her” and fully committing to
the follow-up scene. Dutch demonstrates a clear understanding of how to make
comedic devices resonate with the audience.
Portraying the genuinely kind Kendra, Kasidey Ryan delivers
a nuanced performance that balances sincerity with social awareness. Ryan presents
Kendra as someone who is both admired and, at times, uncertain. Her vocal
delivery is consistent, and she maintains a strong stage presence, particularly
in ensemble moments.
Anna Restall delivers a sharp and controlled Lucy, subtly
pulling the strings behind the scenes of the junior high social structure.
Restall is confident in both dialogue and musical delivery, with a clear focus
on diction and intention. Her performance in “Opportunity” is a standout
moment, showcasing both vocal strength and character clarity.
13: The Musical proves is a spirited and engaging
production that celebrates young talent with sincerity, humour, and heart.
Through strong creative leadership and a committed cast, the show captures the
complexities of adolescence while remaining accessible and entertaining for all
audiences. It is a reminder of the power of youth theatre to not only showcase
emerging performers but to tell stories with authenticity, energy, and genuine
joy.
- Andrew Broadbent
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