BWW Reviews: Get Ready for 13: THE MUSICAL at Alpha/Omega Players

In the spirit of "High School Musical," "Glee" and "Mean Girls," Alpha/Omega Players presents 13, a musical about growing up. This show is a musical that tweens and teens will love, it is about the emotional roller coaster full of the highs and lows that all of us experienced while growing up. Alpha/Omega Players has put together a highly energetic group of teens who successfully depict the trials and tribulations that come with becoming a teenager.

Jason Robert Brown (PARADE and THE LAST FIVE YEARS) wrote the music and lyrics for 13. Dan Elish and Robert Horn wrote the book for this musical. This musical tells the story of an adolescent boy, Evan Goldman, who is grappling with moving from New York City to a small town in Indiana. In addition to the move, he is also dealing with his parents' divorce, preparing for his upcoming Bar Mitzvah and navigating social circles at his new school in Indiana. All Evan wants is to fit in, and have his new "friends" come to his Bar Mitzvah. 13 tells the stories of the outcasts, the popular kids, teen love, and just trying to fit in. The cast of 13 at Alpha/Omega Players, under the direction of Mark A. Drey and choreography by Melissa Kauffman, is full of spirited actors who portray the chaotic lives of teens in a way that has audience members reminiscing about what it was like to be a teenager.

Starring in the role of Evan is Tyler Montgomery. Montgomery effectively portrays the difficulties and pressures of being a teen, and he does well at depicting the conflicted teen. Evans friend, Archie, is played by Colin Lynch. Archie has a degenerative neuromuscular disorder and walks with crutches. Lynch adds humor, but also reminds audiences what it is like for a teen that is on the outside looking in. In addition, the popular teen, Brett, is played by Matthew Brownlow. Brownlow is solid in bringing to life the complicated popular school bully. There are two young women in this show who are outstanding: Amy Swartz as Patrice and Morgan Konopelski as Lucy. Both Swartz and Konopelski vocals are strong and full of emotion. This cast is full of passionate young actors who charm the audiences with their spirit. The cast number "13" is a song where the entire cast shines and radiates with energy. That being said, of the many shows I have seen, 13 is not my favorite musical. 13 is a musical performed by teens with a story line that will resonate mostly with a teen or tween audience, it is not a show that has a very deep meaning or brilliant dialogue. It is a show that lacks fresh insights into the world of being a teenager and lacks any real depth of characters. However, 13 at Alpha/Omega Players is full of enthusiastic young actors who have put their heart and soul into this show, and their enthusiasm and energy shine through at each performance.

13 runs at Alpha/Omega Players through December 8, 2013. For information and tickets visit their website at www.alphaomegaplayers.org or call their box office at 610-404-4844.

Photos courtesy of Alpha/Omega Players.