Whether you’re a teenager currently experiencing the drama of middle school life, or an adult remembering those days with a nostalgic disdain, “13 the Musical” will channel those feelings in an entertaining performance of stage and song.
Director Crystal Gleim said that she never imagined that she’d be leading a group of 17 teenagers, and she loves it.
“La Porte Little Theatre came to me to direct a show and we had several different plays in mind and this was one that the cast members selected. They were very excited about working with a newer and younger director and knew me from working at the theater. They gave me ’13’ to listen to and we decided to go for something new, to get new blood in the company and bring new shows to the community instead of just the old standbys,” Gleim said.
She said that audiences may be familiar with the script since the show was popular on Broadway.
She said, “When it was originally cast on Broadway, the original idea was that no one should be over the age of 13, but for us, our cast ranges from 12 to 21, although the 21-year-old looks 17! We have some younger actors from the community that we’ve worked with before as well as some new ones.”
The plot involves protagonist Evan Goldman who moves from the Big Apple to Appleton, Ind., after his parents’ divorce. As he prepares for his Bar Mitzvah and attempts to navigate his way through a new school with new friends, Gleim said he “learns the truths about people, and he learns who his true friends are, kind of the hard way.”
Gleim said that any age will love the performance and that “there are a lot of tongue in cheek comments that make an adult giggle. The music is very challenging. It’s pop music and in the original Broadway cast, Ariana Grande performed in a role, so it’s very popular music, but difficult vocally. They sound amazing.”
Show times are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Heather Augustyn is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.
“13 the Musical”
Where: La Porte Little Theatre, 218 A St., La Porte
When: Oct. 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25
Tickets: $12
Information: laportelittletheatreclub.com
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