BWW Previews: 13 THE MUSICAL at Popovsky Performing Arts Studio

Ah, the struggles of becoming a teenager. We all know or remember the time when we were becoming a teenager, or in Evan Goldman's case, "becoming a man". In 13 the Musical, with original music by Jason Robert Brown, the audience gets to experience multiple accounts of turning 13 but most importantly, the new kid, Evan Goldman, and his struggle to plan the perfect Bar Mitzvah. It all begins when Evan moves from his life in New York City to a smaller town in Appleton, Indiana. His plan is to create a perfect party with all the popular kids including Brett Sampson and his posse Malcolm and Eddie. To do this Evan must fulfill Brett's plan to go on a date with Kendra. Along the way he meets Patrice, an outcast but also a smart and lovable girl, and Archie who is crippled and also feels "out of place". Overall, Evan must learn how to navigate through a world of cool kids, nerds, jocks, and cheerleaders, but does his plan work out? Well, you're going to have to come see the show!

While 13 the Musical has more sillier topics such as dating, rumors, first kisses, and "the tongue", it also delves into more meaningful themes such as choosing friends, fitting in, and most importantly not letting anyone change who you are. Throughout the show, Evan experiences each one of these barriers which are the real challenges of becoming older. Inviting the "cool" kids might make you more popular, but it also might make you lose sight of what's true: your friends and who you are. 13 the Musical resonates more with kids who are in the age range of 13-17, but it is also a way for those older to remember their life at this age. Throughout the show, Evan manages to navigate this new life but at the end realizes that "we all have a little more homework to do".

13 the Musical is a hilarious and edgy coming-of-age story (which is intended for 13 and up). Starring as Evan is Zach Deporter and alongside him is Josey Terry as Patrice and Max Heitmann as Archie. The "cool" kid Brett is played by Cameron Snelbaker and his posse consists of Dante Velasco and Henry Greiner as Malcolm and Eddie and Ricky Fitts as Simon/Richie. The popular girls, Lucy and Kendra, are played by Lauren Epps and Libby Hardesty along with their posse of girls Cassie, Charlotte, and Molly who are played by Gabrielle Reimel, Annalise Prentiss, and Carly Ludwig. 13 the Musical also has a female ensemble of eight people consisting of Kayla Ketchum, Elizabeth Plakans, Olivia Trans-Speros, Laura Claire Walker, Alexa Day, Gracyn Smith, Sarah Biltz, and Olivia Eichler. This entire production is co-directed by the fabulous pair of directors, Michael Popovsky and Sheldon Markel. This show was musically directed by Christyn Rutter and choreographed by Devon Lutz.

Once again, 13 the Musical is not to be missed. This production confronts the struggles of turning 13 which will make you laugh, cry and, not going to lie, but maybe even wince. With an amazing cast, crew, and creative team, this musical turns not only into a production but also into a message for the entire audience. It's certainly a fantastic show with memorable songs and tons of fun and laughter. 13 the Musical with Popovsky Performing Arts Studio runs at the Green Room Theatre (at the F&M campus) from August 11-13 with two shows on Saturday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors and can be bought at the door or bought online at https://ppas.ticketleap.com/13/ . For more information about Popovsky's visit https://www.popovskyperformingarts.com/ . Hope to see you there!