Theatre Preview
Eleanor Pearson 26 August 2015 Growing Pains
It isn’t easy being 13. Just ask any of the cast of Birdie Production’s 13-A New Musical. They range in ages from 14-17, and vividly recollect their early teen years. Maya Stempien, 16, of Padstow, plays Charlotte, a gossipy cheerleader.
“We are a little bit older, but we know what it was like being 13. We know exactly how to play the roles,” Maya said. |
Thirteen
Season Starting: Friday, September 25th (click on "Upcoming Events" for exact times.) Address: Bryan Brown Theatre Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre Bankstown, NSW |
“13 is about hitting puberty, the changing physical body, first love, and the first kiss.”
For 15-year-old Noah Mullins of Leonay, who plays the lead role of Evan Goldman, the experience of being 13 is also about coming of age.
For 15-year-old Noah Mullins of Leonay, who plays the lead role of Evan Goldman, the experience of being 13 is also about coming of age.
“13 is the gateway to becoming a man,” Noah said.
His character, Evan, is Jewish, and the planning and invitation list for his pending Bar Mitzvah contribute much to the central drama. The matter is complicated after Evan’s parents divorce and he moves with his mother from New York City, to provincial Appleton, Indiana. How Evan fits into his new school’s “in-group”, and the friendships and alliances made in the process are key to the plot.
“Evan is one of those kids who tries to fit in no matter what. But he’s very positive, and always looks on the bright side,” Noah explained. “His religion is the path to all his choices…Sometimes rabbis come out of nowhere, and are symbolic of the cool kids. He’s not a cool kid.” Nevertheless for both Noah and Maya, the experience of working on 13-A New Musical has been overwhelmingly positive, not to mention their first paid musical theatre roles. “13 is absolutely hilarious. It’s a good, warm-hearted show. All ages will love it,” Noah said. “I love the cast, especially the two main actors, Scout Silbersher and Ethan Fuller, who play Patrice and Archie. |
They’re so talented. I’ve been in shows before, but when this cast sings together, it’s phenomenal.”
Maya added, “Every single person in the cast has amazing talents. I’ve listened to recordings of rehearsals and it gives me shivers.
“We are told to put out energy all the time, and sing our best. The cheerleader characters have fantastic choreography.”
13 (A Musical) opened on Broadway in 2008 with a rock score by Jason Robert Brown. It was the first Broadway show with an all-child cast and band.
13-A New Musical plays September 25-October 3, 2015
Maya added, “Every single person in the cast has amazing talents. I’ve listened to recordings of rehearsals and it gives me shivers.
“We are told to put out energy all the time, and sing our best. The cheerleader characters have fantastic choreography.”
13 (A Musical) opened on Broadway in 2008 with a rock score by Jason Robert Brown. It was the first Broadway show with an all-child cast and band.
13-A New Musical plays September 25-October 3, 2015
Performers and Crew
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Rodney Bertram
Craig Nhobbs Meg Day Ashlee Evans Paul Young |