Want to go?
WHAT: “13”
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. July 20 and 21; 2:30 p.m. July 22
WHERE: Bellevue Society for the Arts, 205 Maple St., Bellevue
COST: $10/adults, $8/seniors (60+), $6/students
INFO: 419-484-ARTS (2787)
Adolescence, puberty, becoming teenagers — all the horrific moments in life we all have to go through yet cannot seem to explain to the next generation is now in a musical.
“13” has only been around for a few years, and came off Broadway to be released almost immediately to community theatres.
“I would bet is hasn’t been done in the area yet,” said first-time Bellevue Society for the Arts director Jennifer Gilbert.
Originally chosen by member Jeff Hayward, who wanted something funny and contemporary for the teens, Gilbert stepped in to direct.
“I choreographed a bit at Clyde and directed the children in shows,” she said. “I love directing teenagers. I don’t think I’d want to direct adults.”
The cast members range in age from 13 to 18, with the main 13-year-old character being portrayed by 18-year-old Ryan Sherman. The majority of the children seem to be under 16, and at least four (if not more) area schools are represented.
Being the new kid on the block, “13” will have to premiere its songs to the audiences to discover the ones that are hummable, singable and danceable.
“‘A Little More Homework to Do’ is moving and has a catchy tune that sticks with you. [It’s] also the last song they’ll hear.”
As for the dance numbers, it’s a toss-up between “13” an “Opportunity” for the teens. One major difference from previous generations’ coming-of-age musicals is that cell phones and technology in general are vital and incorporated into the songs and dances.
When asked, Gilbert likens the humor of “Shrek” to “13.”
“It’s innocently funny, but has adult humor,” she said.
A hilarious musical comedy, it has messages that are very subtle until the end, when they smack you upside the head.
“It’s a good musical for parents to watch to see how their kids are really growing up,” Gilbert said.
