13 The Musical for The Shire

Shire Music Theatre (NSW) has assembled a cast of a dozen talented teens and tweens to produce the Broadway musical “13” in Sydney’s south.

Set in a small town in Indiana, "13" is a grown-up story about growing up! 

When his parents get divorced and he's forced to move from New York to a small town in Indiana, Evan Goldman just wants to make friends and survive the school year. Easier said than done! The star quarterback is threatening to ruin his life and his only friend, Patrice, won't talk to him. The school freak sees an opportunity for blackmail and someone is spreading the nastiest rumours.

With a rock score from Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, "13" is a high-energy musical for all ages about discovering that cool is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it.

"13" The Musical is directed by Bridget Keating with musical direction from Andrew Howie and choreography by Joel Duffy.

“13 The Musical has so much more value musically and message-wise than other teen-focused shows,” says Keating. “It is realistic and sometimes is a little challenging, even for adults!

“The themes we tackle are dating, illness, cultural difference, belonging and bullying - but it is the music that makes this show so good. Jason Robert Brown is known for very intelligent, clever and intricate lyrics and harmonies. We knew it would be difficult to cast 11-15 year olds but with all the excellent performance training facilities in our surrounding areas we were able to find some really exceptional talent.

This production of  "13 The Musical" has some terrific comic moments as well as some beautiful heart-wrenching ballads and attempts to be honest, cheeky and energetic, says Keating.  

”We think our audience will relate to the story whether they are teens themselves - or just reminiscing!”

13 The Musical

Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, book by Dan Elish & Robert Horn

23 March to 1 April at Sutherland Memorial School of Arts, 25 East Parade, SUTHERLAND

Tickets $29 / $24 conc   family passes $85   Opening night all tickets $25

Bookings: www.shiremusictheatre.com.au  or (02) 8230 0668

More reading - Community Theatre Seasons 2012.

Other Community Theatre Shows.

Images: The Girls - Foreground Louise Moseley as Kendra, with Jacqueline Cross as Cassie, Sophie Whittaker as Lucy, Erin-Jayne Parker as Charlotte and Emily Lumsden as Molly. The Boys - Foreground Jack Paterson as Evan Goldman, with Ethan Fuller as Simon, Michael Kilbane as Eddie, Josh Ridge as Brett and Louis Vinciguerra as Richie. Cast photo - Left to right - Louis Vinciguerra, Jacqueline Cross, Louise Moseley, Erin-Jayne Parker, Gus Noakes (Archie), Josh Ridge, Jack Paterson (Evan Goldman) Sophie Whittaker, Maddy Johnson (Patrice), Ethan Fuller, Michael Kilbane and Emily Lumsden.

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