Jason Robert Brown's '13' Comes to The Media Theatre Tonight

During the month of July, everyone can be "13" again! That's when Jason Robert Brown's Broadway musical "13" is on stage at The Media Theatre.

Each weekend July 8 through the 31, the show features a story about Evan Goldman (played by West Chester's JD Triolo), who becomes a teenager and moves from New York City to a small town in the Midwest. If that change is not enough, he is also going through physical changes as he becomes a young man. He meets a girl named Patrice (played on alternate weekends by Lexi Gwynn and Molly Sorensen, both of the Malvern area) and her group of friends. "13" is about growing up and learning how to fit in, of course, but it's also appealing to adults who wish to take a walk down memory lane.

Talkin' Broadway, in David Edward Hughes' review of the show's Seattle production in 2011, said "It has abundant heart and humor, and it may be my favorite Jason Robert Brown score since Parade."

Hughes' review hits the mark, as the show's score is very appealing to baby boomers raised on American Top 40. Composer Jason Robert Brown sites Billy Joel, Carole King, and Paul Simon as popular artists who have influenced his work along with Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim.

"13" features a score which speaks to the teen years, but also songs which have a universal appeal such as "What It Means To Be A Friend", "The Lamest Place In The World", and "A Little More Homework".

Dan Elish and Robert Horn wrote the book, which is a series of vignettes tying the story together as we watch Evan deal with culture shock and life changes. From school hallways to the movie theatre, each scene gives us more insight to each character represented.

"13" has something for anyone between the ages of 12 to adult as we are taken in by the humor, heart, and message of the production. For adults, the perfect comparison might be that "13" is similar in style to "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown". Both shows examine life through younger eyes and minds, but "13" is from an older perspective, touching upon relevant issues to a specific age group which, as we grow older, still affect us as the decades pass.

"13" is on stage at The Media Theatre tonight, July 8 through July 31 with performances on Fridays at7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm. It is directed by Jesse Cline. For tickets call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.

Saturday nights feature a post-show pizza party for teens only in the theatre's Crystal Room.

Pictured: The Guys of "13" at The Media Theatre: Josiah Jacoby, Dayshawn Hewitt, Michael Wells, JD Triolo, Matt Saylor, Leo Koncos, Jackson Sweeney, and Josh Atkinson.

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