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Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

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jaystarr
#1Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 11:29am

Special Thanks to : Goodspeed Company


E38
Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
13
New Musical (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Norma Terris Theater at Goodspeed
May 11 2 pm pm matinee
2 hours and 15 mins (with 1 intermission)
Ticket Price : $45.00


INTRO:

I am actually very fortunate to have a glimpse of what will come to Broadway next season. First is the Pre-Broadway Try-out of Jason Robert Brown's musical 13 and this Fall~the two Boston try-outs of Brigadoon Revival & Harry Connick's Nice Work If You Can Have It. This weekend..we drove to Chester, CT to see the Pre-Broadway run of 13 at Goodspeed in Chester, CT. that will come to Bernard B. Jacobs this September. Since this is a try-out run. I would not do my normal 10/10 Report of Things I LIKE and Dont LIKE bec. they are still working on the show on a daily basis and most likely a lot of things will change before it goes on Broadway. I will just enumerate my observations about show and I will do the same thing with Brigadoon & Nice Work If You Can Have It. I usually see shows on Broadway ~the last weekend before it opens-by then I will say whether I LIKE the show or NOT! For now here are my observations:


Things I LIKE about the show (out of 10)

n/a

Things I DID NOT LIKE about the show (out of 10)

n/a

10 OBSERVATIONS:

1. The Show : Basically...its like Disney's High School Musical meets Spelling Bee. It a story of Evan, a 12 yr old kid turning "13" from New York City who moves to a small town in Indiana. Like everyone else...his main problem is how to "fit in" to his new school. He feels the need to be friends with the "coolest kids" in his school, though he befriends a crippled teenager (out of sympathy for him) and has a crush on the nerdest girl in school (though he feels the need to distance himself from her bec. he was worried about the what would the "cool kids" say) Evan wants to have the "best" Bar Mitzvah by inviting the coolest kids in his school. Though there's a lot of things that did not go right -ultimately at the end, he needs to realize what is more important to him~ to be the coolest kid in his school or to be "true" to himself.

2. The Music by Jason Robert Brown (score & lyrics)- as I said.. its like Disney's High School Musical but the score is very superior..the songs are very memorable. During the show..I was even thinking...Is this the same composer who wrote the much darker PARADE...some of the songs are very pop and very melodious...

-Actually the beginning song 13 is like 10 minutes long or more... It has a lot of book in between..it talked about Evan living a comfortable life in NYC...then goes to the song again...then learning that he is moving to Indiana..then it goes to the song again...meeting the new kids in Indiana.. then the song...it kinda reminds me of Old Red Hills of Home..though its does have a feel of Disney's High School Musical to it.

- There's alot of memorable songs like What It Means to Be A Friend, Bad, Bad News (which I think its one of the strongest and funniest song) , Tell Her and the last song A Little More Homework~which is very catchy song!

- The songs are very well incorporated with the book and you can tell that it plays a vital part to develop the characters. The lyrics are very funny...there's even a line n one of the song that goes...if Disneys (referring to High School Musical) was well written!

3. The book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn: I said earlier it reminded me of Spelling Bee bec. some of the dialogues are very witty yet funny at the same time. Funny in a way what would a 13 yrs old kids would say...Well.. is a musical about 13 yrs old...kinda like SPRING AWAKENING with NO SEX and without the ranchy-ness...its really more closer to Disney's High School than anything (of course without Zac Efron) Its a very simple story- its more of a coming to an age story...which just FITTING IN! I do remember 3 words that's kinda PG like the words slut, whore and ass and the kids say those words with cuteness (but c'mon! 13 yrs old kid say those words anyways..) but nothing below the belt.

4. The Actors: All of the actors onstage are all 13-15 yrs old..including the 5 member band. THERE ARE NO ADULTS ONSTAGE in the entirety of the play. When they need to bring in adults.. the kids talked to the audience (like a parent) I remember when they reveal the band- everyone was clapping bec. its just those kids playing instruments.. Its cute and endearing!

- I would say that all of the kids sing beautifully, they ALL do have wonderful voices..though I have noticed that some of them are still not used of their roles..meaning they are aware that there is an audience (example their eye contacts .. they are looking everywhere which I am thinking that they are just nervous.. this is their first weekend too! ) Sometimes I came across to me as an "Amateur" High School Musical then it picks up again~I am talking about their acting and stage presence. I am sure with a month long run at Goodspeed..these kids will grow into the roles and a little bit more at ease.

- Though there are 3 actors that really stand-out for me as being "natural"

1. Aaron Simon Gross as Archie -as the crippled friend.

2. Eric Nelsen as Brett- as Brett -the jock

3. Elizabeth Egan Gilies as Lucy (the slutty girl and the Miss Popular)

* I saw Graham Phillips as Evan (there are two Evans) - I think he has a beautiful voice, though I felt like he is still adjusting to the role. He still needs to practice eye contact with the other cast sometimes I caught him.. his eyes are going around..looking at the audience...but I am sure he would grow into the role.

* Allie Trim (Patrice) is almost there...beautiful voice.

* Actually there are 13 actors onstage (2 Evans in an alternate role) and 5 band members. ALL 13-15 yr old kids.

4. The sets: basically it did reminded me a lot about Spelling Bee. Its a classroom set -angled that makes the room bigger. The floor is hardwood floor like basketball hardwood like in Spelling Bee. There's one door on stage left ~like a classroom room/gymnasium door. There's two steel beams hanging (like in Spelling Bee) . there's a tall brick like wall at the background (which changes color thru lighting) and on the midpart there's window where the band is playing ( a blind to go up and down to reveal the band~most of the time you see the band) The band is onstage.

The set looks really big into the 250 seats theater which would probably fit perfectly into Jacobs Theater.

The change of scenery is done by those kids. they are moving the sets (like bookcase shelves, school lockers) onstage.

There's one scene at Lucy's bedroom: very pastel in color, yet I felt like its something you buy at Target's kids section (beddings, lamps...etc) I was thinking .. there are probably trying to make it very natural what would a 13 yr old girl bedroom would look like. btw- there's a Zac Efron poster and yes he is half naked in the poster ( I was actually laughing when I saw this)

- I think this is probably one aspect that they have to improve a bit is the scenery.
Though they may wanted it to look as REALISTIC as possible? with no over the top decoration, yet I am afraid that it may come across as very-off-broadway.

5. The Costumes: the characters are ONLY wearing 1-2 costumes thru the entire show..not counting the dream sequence...where they have to wear a Fosse like costumes...Their clothes is what basically what a 13 yr old kids would wear~ its very simple.

-I would probably recommend that some of the major characters would change their clothes like...the next day scene or the movie theater scene..well my point is kids change their clothes on a daily basis.

-Also the opening scene- where all the ensembles are Evan's freinds in NYC--then they doubled as new classmates in Indiana. I just wish they changed their clothes between those two scenes...but I dont know if they would have enough time to change~ its a 10 minutes long opening number.

-This is probably another part that they could improve a bit. I am not hoping an over the top costumes...just enough to establish the changes between scenes. The ensemble are okay to have one clothes thru the entire show...

6. Choreography by Christopher Gatelli- I thought the it was very good..there's even a scene where the girls are dressed into something from Robert Palmer's Addicted To Love video..where they are all dressed the same and shaking their behinds...I thought it was funny. I love Chris' works in THE RITZ (curtain call number) and SOUTH PACIFIC.

- though I felt that some of the actors are not really good dancers.. this is the part where I felt that it was a bit amateurish...in a way.. that when they are dancing.. there's no unison..well.. I am not hoping for A CHORUS LINE unison., but some of the kids are excellent dancers and some are a bit behind..it. I am sure with time and more practice.. they would all look good together as A GROUP. The choreography is good, its just some of the kids' execution are far behind than some of the other kids that can really dance.

7. The Lighting by Brian MacDevitt- its really "cute" in a way of a Saturday morning kids' show. I remember in the beggining when started projecting stars, rotating lines and circles on the brick like wall and changing the color...it really does remind me of Disney's High School Musical or Hannah Montana special dance number, but its not only that- the lighting trancends more~like the cute movie theater scene where they are watching a horror flick..and the suprised scene...


******SPOILER******

When the two guys (Evan's crippled friend Archie and Brett, the jock) who were trying to score with Kendra by getting a kiss from her inside the dark theater which they accidentally kiss one another...which I think one of the funniest part of the show.. I saw some kids sitting at the front who literally jumped at their seats when they saw this...lol!

and all the characters (kids) caught the suprised kiss nbetween the two guys on their cellular phones- I thought it was hysterical!!!

NOTE : No gay characters~though there was a reference on Evan's having a lesbian aunt and a funny dialogue from TELL HER song in which Evan is telling Brett how to win back her girlfriend...and Brett replied..Oh! but is that a little gay! (everyone was laughing!-its a cute scene)

********END SPOILER*********


8. The ensemble as a whole- very talented, beautiful voice. I thought the standout kids are the 4 kids singing Bad Bad News..and one of the kid still has not fully develop his muscular voice and he sang one note that is VERY VERY high! and everyone was clapping after his big belt out number!

- though as I said... they still have to work on their stage presence and dancing as a WHOLE. Singing wise - they are all perfect. The last number...all of the 13 cast members has a solo part. You can really tell they ALL have beautiful voice!

The band: the played beautiful...though you dont see Tom Kitt (as conductor) onstage but I think he is there conducting those kids) I felt like there are sometimes lifeless...since they are a part of the show..bec. the blinds are up most of the time...
I would probably recommend that the band moved a bit, not as they are doing a show by themselves which is gona be disturbing, but "jam" a bit. I am sure they are just a bit nervous for now.

9. The Audience : The theater was full.. The audience was very enthusiastic... they are laughing hard at all the jokes... There are definitely kids in the audience, meaning 8-11 yrs old kids sitting at the front (which the company offers for $13.00 for young kids to teenagers kids) I have seen 50 yr old parents and I talked to them after the show and they told me that they had a blast! The show itself is VERY CUTE!
like you would say..Oooooh! When you see the kids on the stage...I remember Chris telling me during the drive back home...Oh pls be nice when you are writting your report.. those kids are soo cute! and they are just kids! I told him.. I am going to be nice Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out) (I am just demonstrating how would other people might feel about the show.)

10. Possible problems of the show during Broadway Run: I think people will definitely say that this show should be a OFF-BROADWAY show. I dont see it that way...I think if they fix some of the minor things... they are definitely ready to be ON-BROADWAY. I am sure they would definitely find a target audience -maybe not us! but definitely a lot of tourist who can bring their kids to the show. Though opening it on Sept. and making thru the harsh winter months might be a problem financially.

Two good things going on for the show are :

a. Tony award wining composer Jason Robert Brown's Score- Its memorable and catchy!

b. its RAW! in a way that its 13-15 yrs old kids acting, singing and playing the band...I think its appealing when see them onstage...CUTE & endearing in a way! and c'mon ..Are we kinda tired of seeing 18 to something 20's yrs old actors portrayed 13 yrs old kids on stage?

Summary:

I can really tell for now whether I LIKE THE SHOW or NOT bec. its still on a try-out phase. I would report final say when I see this show in NYC this September. For now~ I wish the best for everyone involved with the show. I had a blast eventhough it was a 2 hour and 14 mins drive from Boston. The Goodspeed Company was very nice to me. Prior to my arrival, I called them and I forward them my reports on BWW (The 2-THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED Reports at Boston & Hartford...of all my reports..lol! I did it bec. its a regional company) and I told them that I would wanna do something like that on 13.

When I arrived to pick up my tickets. There was a note from the House Manager to meet me in the lobby and she was very nice and polite and she told me that Jason Robert Brown and Tom Kitt agreed to meet me after the matinee ( they have a show after that at 630 pm) as I requested. I am very happy that I was able to meet the ENTIRE Creative team including the director. Luckily I was able to talked to Jason Robert Brown and Tom Kitt for about 10 mins each after the show, considering they have to do another show...I was very thankful and humbled for the opportunity to meet these two great broadway composers of my time!

and special shout out to Chris Gatelli (the choreographer) ...I met him the lobby during the intermission, he introduced himself and his assistant and told me..Youre Jay from Broadwayworld! btw- I read your reports on SOUTH PACIFIC and THE RITZ and I love it how you put photos of the theater, cast, your personal experiences....etc....and Thank you for your enthusiam and effort! I was actually embarrassed bec. I was thinking in my mind...Oh No! ..I hope I did not say anything stupid... like How Matt Morrison look good without a shirt or Justin Clynes (from THE RITZ) lol!

But again... Thank you Goodspeed & the Entire Creative Team for the nice and warmth reception yesterday! I can't thank you enough!

and if you live in the area...GO SEE THE SHOW! Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Score : n/a

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Norma Terris Theater
Chester, CT.
Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Production Photos
Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

click here:
https://www.goodspeed.org/shows_more.aspx?id=892

The Program
Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Photos with the Creative Team

with Jason Robert Brown -music & lyrics (Parade)
Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

with Robert Horn-book (Lone Star Love & Dame Edna)
Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

with Chris Gattelli -Chreographer (South Pacific, Sunday in The Park & The Ritz)
Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

with Tom Kitt- conductor (composer of HIgh Fidelity & Next to Normal)
Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

My Autographed Program
signed by Jason Robert Brown, Robert Horn & Tom Kitt
Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)








Updated On: 7/23/08 at 11:29 AM

folkyboy Profile Photo
folkyboy
#2re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 11:31am

that's exciting that you got to meet all of them!

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CurtainPullDowner
#2re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 11:43am

Great reporting as usual.

One question, is Tom Kitt in the band?

Sidebar, Eric Nelson's brother is Matthew Gumley, the funniest of the Michaels in MARY POPPINS.
And Ariana Grande is the sister of Frankie Grande of MAMA MIA and last year's Mr. Broadway.



Updated On: 5/12/08 at 11:43 AM

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songanddanceman2
#3re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 12:07pm

such a brilliant report Jay as per usual XX

Im kinda intrigued about this one


Namo i love u but we get it already....you don't like Madonna

#4re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 12:18pm

J*

I'm confused. This show has nothing to do with the film of a couple of years ago called "Thirteen"? That film got an R and a 16+ suggestion from the ratings people, but your description of this show makes it sound ok for young teens.


Thirteen on IMDB

Yankeefan007
#5re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 12:26pm

Jay - great story!!!

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Dolly_Levi
#6re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 12:28pm

I don't think it is based on that, or any, film.


Laughter is much more important than applause. Applause is almost a duty. Laughter is a reward. Carol Channing
Updated On: 5/12/08 at 12:28 PM

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luvtheEmcee
#7re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 12:32pm

It has nothing to do with the film, no.

I like Jason Robert Brown's work a lot, but I'm not sure how much we really need another musical about teenage angst. Nothing against teenagers, but as theater, it's very hard to write compelling stories and characters out of average teenage drama.


A work of art is an invitation to love.
Updated On: 5/12/08 at 12:32 PM

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jaystarr
#8re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 3:10pm

Tom Kitt is conducting. I dont know if he is playing any instrument but per program..he is playing keyboard 1. You dont see him..the only band members you can see are the 5 members band on a window like stage ala GREASE. I can hear the sounds coming from the kids specially the drums...so that's why I know they are playing the instruments.

I dont know much of angst~if we are talking about intense emotional feelings such as pain, anxiety or loss. 13 is very light..its actually a musical comedy. It looks and has a "feel" of Disney's High School Musical with better score, more substance and more developed characters. Actually the last song really explains everything what the musical is all about. I thought it has MORAL story to it. I have seen a touring stage version of Disney's HS Musical~and its really awful and mediocre and its best. I will pick 13 any day over it.

BTW- I saw the director talking to a lot of kids (from audience and kids meaning 9-11 yrs old children) after the show asking them if they like it and what part.They like.he is also talking to the parents..it seems like he is taking notes. The audience reaction was good. It was a SOLD OUT performance..though I dont know how many kids who paid $13.00 a ticket but surely they came with their parents who paid full price.

I cant really think of anything closer to this on Broadway~ its really more like Disney's High School musical. As far as the story is concern...I really dont know what 13 yr old kids talk or feel...I think the point of the musical is its just kids...trying to fit in and make it day by day....no abortion, no suicide, no masturbation, no atheistic idea....lol! ...just being a 13 yr old kid.

I really have a feeling that they are really targeting the same audience of Disney's High Musical. Also when I saw it in Boston's The Wang Center-its full and its selling well. I just had a feeling that this is the SAME CROWD that they are aiming for on Broadway.

Let's face it..sooner or later Disney will probably mount High School Musical on Broadway too...anytime now... I would prefer to see 13~ a much better written score and book.

I am sure that not all of us here would like the show when it opens on Broadway. I remember Chris telling me on our way home...Oh I can see that the board (bww) will have a feast on this musical, when it opens on Broadway! re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

J*

Updated On: 5/12/08 at 03:10 PM

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WesternSky2
#9re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 3:18pm

I was at the 6:30pm show on the 11th, and I really really enjoyed it.

I tend to agree about shows about teenagers being overdone and usually not good. I think the reason that this works is it really isn't about their angst, about this crazy drama, it's about growing up. Maybe I'm just really nostalgic and it brought me right back to middle school, but they did a really nice job of making everything really natural and real. There were so many points throughout the show where I'd say to myself 'I hated that girl in school', or 'I remember that'... The only thing I can think to compare it to is 'Mean Girls' - a movie about students in high school that just WORKED, because it was so honest and real. This show is very down to earth and truthful, which I appreciate.

I was so blown away by the amount of talent on that stage. I mean, the band! We all know JRB's music isn't exactly easy to play - I was so impressed. Everyone was great all around. I saw Graham Phillips as Evan as well. His voice is fantastic, better than fantastic. Really jaw dropping. He looks like he needs some more time to really sink into the character more, but it's definitely there. Aaron Simon Gross' Archie is one of the standouts. I think one of the best actors in the roup is Eric Nelson as Brett. His voice isn't as strong, but he's such a good actor it really doesn't seem to matter. Allie Trimm has a gorgeous voice as Patrice, and Elizabeth Egan Gillies as Lucy is hysterical, and going in there you'll recognize that character as a girl that you knew in middle school and high school almost instantly.

JRB's score is catchy and lively and sweet and full on all his famous tricks that he's loved so much for. Dan Elish and Robert Horn's book is very, very witty and funny and real.

Of course there are things that can be trimmed and re-worked, that's how it goes with any new show. I'm just happy to see an original musical making it's way to broadway.

The show started almost exactly on time and ended around 8:40, so it's around 2:10.

I'm not great at pin-pointing things in my "reviews", or whatever you want to call this, so feel free to ask any questions and I'll do my best to answer them.

I'm excited to see what happens with this one in the future!

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musicalmaster703
#10re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 3:22pm

great review!


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jaystarr
#11re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 3:33pm

btw- here's a demo from JRB, if you want the song...let me know .. I can forward you the MP3 free demo song.

What It Means To Be A Friend:
https://jasonrobertbrown.com/exclusive/1006/whatitmeans.mp3

^^ I actually like the song a lot! enjoy! re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

J*
Updated On: 5/12/08 at 03:33 PM

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burntplains
#12re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 3:51pm

Jay i'm going next weekend... how big is the theatre?? how many does it hold.. where did you sit?

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jaystarr
#13re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 4:06pm


Goodspeed Theater Company has two theaters-one the Goodspeed Opera House In East Haddam (where they had a try-out for ALL SHOOK UP ) and the Norma Terris Theater in Chester, CT (the next town) is about 250 seats. I sat in Row C. (third row) I thought We were so near bec. the sets are BIG for the theater, its was fitted for the Bernard J Jacobs Theater where it is going to play after THE COUNTRY GIRL. I would recommend sitting at E-N rows. The set is very big for the 250 theater.

The $13.00 tickets is for under 19 yrs old...and its on ROW A & B. Call the box-office -800-873-8668 for availability.

The best seats are 2-4-6 seats bec. the set is in a sharp angle. you will understand when you go there.

BTW- No show curtain. They started the show ala XANADU.. kids came in classroom one by one...and talking to one another, while some people (audience) are being seated!

Here's the sitting chart:
re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

for Tickets :

https://www.goodspeed.org/peo/





Updated On: 5/12/08 at 04:06 PM

#14re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 4:57pm

I found an interview of JRB from yesterday's Hartford Courant, where he says:

"If you ask me what the specific difference is between "High School Musical" and "13," I would say there is a thing that a large corporate entity does well when it does entertainment, and there is a thing that an individual artist does. We're a boutique product. We may never be "High School Musical" in terms of saturating the market or even to attract that same audience. When they see this they may say, "Oh gee, I like 'High School Musical' more. I am not in control of that. All I can say is that this stuff moves me deeply. This is a show that feels very close to me."

A Show For Teen In Us All, Tony-Winner Brown Puts Angst, Trauma Of '13' On Chester Stage

Rentfan931
#15re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 5:36pm

Awesome review. I can't wait to see this one in Sept.

NYCboy2 Profile Photo
NYCboy2
#16re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 5:52pm

Thanks for a great review. I am looking forward every week for your reports!

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thatgirl712
#17re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 6:52pm

Thanks for this very thorough report!


If I heard the bells and the banjos ring

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Chris1973
#18re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/12/08 at 8:24pm

I thought this show was amazing. I really wish them well ! Those kids brought so much youthful energy on stage. I really think they had a good idea to cast teens that were the same age as the characters they were portraying. If you lose a little bit in "polish" you make it up in seeming more realistic. These kids have fantastic voices, and they seem like they are really enjoying it. The show is very light but there is definitely a point the show is trying to make, which is universal, and I think it will do well.

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jaystarr
#19re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/13/08 at 4:05pm

Here's a video of the cast singing the Opening Number -"13" and the Finale number "A Little More Homework"

Behind the Scenes : 13 Rehearsals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbbm_AGTfj4

Enjoy! re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)

J*



Updated On: 5/13/08 at 04:05 PM

taximom
#20re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/14/08 at 12:27pm

I saw the show opening night. It was very middle school production for me. Liz Gillies was definitely a stand out and I agree that the ensemble was strong and energetic, but many of the other leads fell flat for me. Lines were delivered without emotion and blocking was mechanical. After hearing some great things about the singing ability, etc. of some of the leads, I was very disappointed. Perhaps it was opening night nerves, perhaps it was because the show is being changed almost daily, but I'm concerned about this cast being able to carry the show on Broadway.

#21re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/14/08 at 7:06pm

Jay...I've already sent this twice, but again: I can't believe I got the date wrong! I'm SO SORRY! I wish I could have met you there! Its a great report. I'm so sorry I missed you!

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bertandrew2
#22re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/14/08 at 7:16pm

Wow, the was SO very complete! Thanks. Now I am CERTAIN not to see this.

#23re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/14/08 at 7:27pm

it sounds like a sweet show with a lot of potential!
& i think its so exciting that they were your fans!

jake6970
#24re: Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on 13 (Pre-Broadway Try-Out)
Posted: 5/14/08 at 7:45pm

I'm really excited for this show. Has there ever been anything on Broadway with ONLY kids?