NEW YORK—The entire cast of the new Broadway musical “13” (book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn, music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown) deserves a round of applause for their efforts. This coming of age story features a cast consisting entirely of teenagers (with no less than 13 members of the company making their Broadway debuts), and there is certainly no lack of enthusiasm among the actors.
Unfortunately, despite several standout performances, the show is saddled with a weak storyline and a miscast lead, turning the experience into something of a misfire.
Soon to turn 13 year-old Evan (Graham Phillips) is a happy Jewish kid living in New York City, surrounded by friends and getting ready for his Bar Mitzvah. However, after his father has a fling with a stewardess, his parents split up and his mother moves with Evan to Appleton, Indiana, a place so remote, it’s “where U.F.O’s go to refuel.”
Fortunately Evan makes friends with a local girl named Patrice (the excellent Allie Trimm) who does her best to ease him into small town life. Evan also helps out Brett (Eric M. Nelson) the most popular kid in school, in the latter’s quest to date Kendra (Delaney Moro), the virginal (and very pretty) object of his desire.
Evan soon learns Patrice is considered one of the “uncool” kids by Brett and his friends and if she goes to Evan’s Bar Mitzvah, no one else will. Forced to make a decision, Evan humilities Patrice in front of the whole school, earning the approval of Brett and company, but causing Patrice to flee in tears.
Wanting to make things right, Evan enlists aid of Archie (Aaron Simon Gross), a disabled kid with a congenital neurological disease. Archie agrees to help him but only if Evan can set Archie up on a date with Kendra. The entire group soon winds up at a local movie theater with Archie and Brett sitting on either side of Kendra, each believing they’re on a date with her.
Not surprisingly, things turn out disastrously, with Evan taking the blame. With almost no one talking to him, Evan realizes he has to decide what’s really important in life, exactly who he really wants at his Bar Mitzvah, and if he’s truly ready to be a man.
There are a number of important plots running through “13,” including the dangers of peer pressure and the maliciousness of teenage gossip. While these premises are certainly topical, the book doesn’t delve deeply enough into them before moving on to the next topic. (There are also several situations which are telegraphed to the audience far in advance of when they actually happen, thus removing much of the suspense.)
Additionally, too many of the characters are portrayed as one-dimensional figures (especially Brett and Kendra) and not given nearly enough shading to make them feel more than stock figures.
Another problem is that Phillips is miscast in the role of Evan. Lacking in stage presence, he also doesn’t have the vocal chops to handle the singing demands required of him. Phillips tries hard, but he’s just not right for the part.
On the plus side, the show features three actors (all making their Broadway debuts) who are definitely folks to keep an eye on. Trimm is excellent as Patrice, with strong vocal skills, acting ability, and an introductory number (“The Lamest Pace in the World,”) which immediately endears her to the audience. The only problem with her character (and this is no fault of the actress) is that it’s never explained why Patrice is so despised by Brett and his friends.
Gross is wonderful as Archie, a disabled kid who wants to live life to the fullest, and an unlikely comic relief. Always ready with a smart quip or answer, he’s not above using his condition to get what he wants or to help out Evan and Patrice. (His number “Terminal Illness” is a hoot). In the end Archie, like most of the characters, learns he has some serious growing up to do.
Another nice surprise is Elizabeth Egan Gillies, who brings a nice combination of sexuality, self-assuredness, and malevolence in her portrayal of Kendra’s supposed best friend, Lucy. On the surface, Lucy is always there for Kendra. However, when it comes to Brett, Lucy will do whatever it takes to steal him away, no matter who gets hurt in the process.
The sets and costumes by David Farley are nicely functional and the lighting by Brian MacDevitt is okay. The songs however, suffer from the same problem as the script-they are uneven. Things start out well with the title tune, but several other numbers designed to move the plot along really don’t work.
Also in the cast are Corey J. Snide, Al Calderon, Malik Hammond, Bynn Williams, Caitlin Gann, Joey La Varco, Eamon Foley and Ariana Grande.
‘13’
Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
242 West 45th Street
Tickets: 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com
Information: www.13themusical.com
Running Time: Approximately 95 minutes
Open Run
Judd Hollander is the New York correspondent for the London publication The Stage.
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