Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre Announces Tenth Anniversary Premiere Of 13 THE MUSICAL

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre (DST) announces the premiere of "13 the Musical" on Friday, February 23 at 7:30 p.m. at their new 219 seat state-of-Art Theatre venue at Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. The theatre will commemorate the tenth anniversary since the musical debuted on Broadway in 2008 with a special after party event that will be held directly after the premiere, providing audience members with the opportunity to go on stage to mix and mingle with the cast and enjoy light snacks.

"13 the Musical" tells the story of Evan Goldman who is about to turn thirteen and can't wait for his bar mitzvah. Everything in his life is moving along as planned-until he discovers that his parents are getting divorced. He is subsequently ripped away from his home in New York City and thrust into rural Appleton, Indiana, where he faces a new set of challenges as he is forced to navigate the social order at his new school. Through a series of heartwarming trials, Evan learns "What it Means to Be a Friend" and discovers that perhaps there's more to life than establishing his place in the social pecking order. With jubilant, upbeat music written by Jason Robert Brown, "13" is a compelling and charming coming-of-age story designed to appeal to children and adults alike.

Original cast members include Ariana Grande, Elizabeth Gillies, Graham Phillips and Allie Trimm. Music and lyrics are written by three-time Tony award winner Jason Robert Brown and is based on the book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn. The show will be directed by DST alumni Lynzee Foreman and Broadway alum Kelli James will act as the musical director. Associate directors include Sam Primack and Sarah Pansing, also DST alumni and former "13" cast members.

"13 the Musical" performances will run from February 23 through March 25, 2018.

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre is located at 7014 East Camelback Road, Suite 0586, Scottsdale, AZ, 85251.

For more information on Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre's events, performances, productions, children's camps and more, visit DesertStages.org.