13
“The best and the worst, And the most and the least, And the crazy and the scary, And we’re just about to turn…
Thirteen!”
Bursting with energy, heart, and the rollercoaster emotions of adolescence, this Tony Award-winning musical takes audiences on a journey through the trials and tribulations of growing up.
“13” follows the story of Evan Goldman, a New York City teen grappling with the challenges of moving to a new town, navigating friendships, and, of course, surviving the social minefield of middle school.
With a dynamic score by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown and a cast of talented young performers, “13” captures the essence of youth with humor, poignancy, and an infectious spirit that will resonate with audiences of all ages.
A Guide into the Setting of 13
Book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn
Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Time/Date: Modern day/Appleton, Indiana
Genre:
- 1 Act Musical
- Comedy
- Contemporary
- Coming-of-Age
Target Audience: PG
Duration: 90 minutes
Performance Groups:
- Middle School
- High School
- Community Theatre
- Professional Theatre
The Inspiration Behind “13”
If you watched the video above, you know the man behind the story of “13” was composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown. Wanting to create a musical predominately for teenagers, he set out to create this unique broadway show.
If you would like to get deep insight into his journey creating the musical, Brown himself wrote his own personal recount of the experience in his website titled “A “13” Roll Call”.
To summarize the article, in 2002, Brown came up with an idea to create a musical featuring and aimed towards teeangers. He thought the whole story through including the characters and their quirky personalities. But the biggest difference that he wanted to implement into the musical that was never seen in Broadway before was to have the entire cast and crew performed by teenagers and only teenagers.
When I was 13, I felt utterly alone, and I was totally convinced that adults didn’t understand a single thing about the tortures I was going through; I thought the best way to reflect that feeling in a theatrical setting was to keep the adults offstage entirely: have the whole show be performed only by 13-year-olds, thirteen of them, and let them define the world they live in and the rules used to tell the story.
Brown pitched the idea at Scholastic Books, and while the idea was well received, nothing came from that meeting. It wasn’t until a year later that Dan Elish, soon to be one of the writers for “13”, contacted him. Through a series of events, the two started collaborating on Brown’s vision fleshing out the story and the characters more.
For a couple of years, the two did workshop after workshop, drafts after drafts trying to find the right feeling for the show. The two worked with numerous amount of kids and meet many adults including Robert Horn, the second writer for the musical, Tom Kitt as musical director, and Chris Gattelli as choreographer who became enthusiast about the potential of this unique show.
When I was approached to be part of the team and write the book, we talked a lot about what [being a teen] meant; where do we fit in?” remarked Horn. “What are those irreversible decisions we make in our youth that are inspired by the wrong ideas or start to define us; peer pressure, a longing for acceptance, a desire to feel part of a community. Then, how can we make it funny without ever condescending to the struggles.
Though the idea of creating a show about teenagers for teenagers was a bit scary, it became a thrilling challenge for all the adults involved.
I was very inspired ultimately by having that small of a box to work in. In a way, by saying I had thirteen 13 year-olds in the cast was another very good box for me. I liked the math of it. I liked knowing I couldn’t cheat out of that by all of a sudden bringing in a grown-up to save the day, to sing the big note. Everything had to come from the kids.
The musical had two run throughs in Los Angeles and Conncecticut, and both runs received positive feedback even receiving a nomination for the 2007 LA Stage Alliance Ovation Awards.
We left Connecticut with wildly positive responses from the Goodspeed audiences, great enthusiasm from the producers and investors, and a clear sense of what the creative team still had to do. On July 16, 2008, we started rehearsals for the Broadway production, armed with new songs, a new script, and our final cast of unimaginably gifted teens, the culmination of over a year’s worth of casting.
Once they had their official cast, band, and team in place, they set out for Broadway and preparing vigorously for the opening. If creating the show was an incredibly unique task, it was nothing compared to blocking the show with the kids. Brown, Elish, and Horn found it enlightening to collaborate with an ensemble notably younger than the typical Broadway cast.
They are funnier, and louder than most adults I’ve worked with. Don’t underestimate the creativity of a kid – they see the world with less cynicism and more colors than many adults have left on our palettes.
The kids featuring Graham Phillips, Allie Trimm, Aaron Simon Gross, Eric Nelsen, Ashton Smalling, Elizabeth Gillies, Al Calderon, Kyle Crews, Caitlin Gann, Ariana Grande, Taylor Bright, Joey LaVarco, and Eamon Foley were some of the most hardworking and brilliant actors and actresses the adults ever worked with. It made the process so much more fun, and the dynamics and themes that Brown envisioned in his mind came to life because of the children.
All the kids on this list brought 13 to life, and their DNA is embedded in every line and every note of the show. For the past six years, they have inspired me, challenged me, frustrated me, surprised me, and reminded me that I went into the theater professionally because of the joy and the passion I felt when I did it as a teenager. It has been a privilege to be in the presence of that joy and passion again.
The musical premiered on Broadway at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on September 16, 2008, starting with previews, and officially opened on October 5, 2008. It concluded its run on January 4, 2009, totaling 105 performances and 22 previews. Brown received a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Lyrics.
“13” stands out as the first and only Broadway production to feature an all-teenager cast and band.
13: The Musical
Numerous revivals were created around the world after “13” came to an end in Broadway. All the way from the USA to the UK to Hong Kong to Israel to Australia. The impact of the story was so great that a film was finally produced.
However, it did take multiple years for the musical to become a film.
In 2014, CBS Films revealed plans to bring the musical to the big screen with a film adaptation. Bert V. Royal was slated to pen the screenplay, while Laurence Mark, Bob Boyett, and David Blackman were set to produce, with Brown overseeing the adaptation’s music and lyrics.
However, in 2019, it was revealed that “13” would transform into a Netflix original film, with Neil Meron taking on the role of producer. The screenplay was crafted by Robert Horn, with Tamra Davis stepping in as director. In April 2021, it was announced that Jason Robert Brown, Bob Boyett, and Mark Nicholson would join forces to produce the film.
On August 12, 2022, the movie was released on Netflix receiving mixed reviews. On one hand, critics praised the film for its music and the performances of the young cast. On the other, viewers were not pleased how the musical heavily differed from the original plot.
Plot
Twelve-year-old New Yorker Evan Goldman is on the brink of adulthood as he prepares for his Bar Mitzvah. He dreams of an unforgettable celebration, but his parents’ impending divorce threatens to shatter those hopes. His father’s newfound romance with a flight attendant prompts his mother to file for divorce (“Thirteen/Becoming A Man”). Just when Evan starts to adjust, his world is upended again when his mother announces their relocation to Appleton, Indiana. Amidst the upheaval, Evan finds solace in his neighbor Patrice, who shares stories of their new town while harboring a secret crush (“The Lamest Place in the World”).
In the following weeks, Evan encounters Brett Sampson, the school’s charismatic alpha, accompanied by his sidekicks Malcolm and Eddie. In a bid to impress Brett, Evan suggests they take Kendra, a girl Brett fancies, to a horror movie, setting the stage for Brett’s romantic advance. Brett affectionately dubs Evan “Brain” for his clever plan. As Brett attempts to woo Kendra, Lucy, Kendra’s envious friend with a secret crush on Brett, intervenes, casting doubt on Kendra’s plans (“Hey, Kendra”).
When Brett confirms the success of their plan, Evan is overjoyed. He anticipates Brett’s attendance at his Bar Mitzvah, believing it will ensure a turnout from the entire school. However, Patrice’s reaction is far from enthusiastic. She fears attending the party will isolate Evan, as the other kids dislike her, making him appear “uncool” by association. Initially skeptical, Evan eventually realizes Patrice may be right when he sees the response to her invitation. In a moment of panic, he tears up her invite in a bid to secure popularity (“13 (Reprise)”). Amidst the excitement for Evan’s party, Archie, a boy with muscular dystrophy, arrives and confronts Evan for mistreating Patrice, his sole friend. Archie offers to help Evan make amends if Evan arranges a date for him with Kendra. When Archie’s attempts to leverage his condition fail, he warns Evan that he’ll disrupt the party if Evan doesn’t comply (“Get Me What I Need”). Succumbing to the pressure, Evan agrees. Meanwhile, at cheerleading practice, Kendra leads a new routine, while Lucy plots to win Brett’s affections (“Opportunity”).
Archie attempts to persuade Patrice to reconsider and give Evan another chance, highlighting her feelings for him. However, Patrice remains disillusioned and hurt by Evan’s actions, making it difficult for her to trust him again (“What It Means To Be A Friend”).
During class, Brett pressures Evan to persuade his mother to buy them tickets to “The Bloodmaster.” Evan objects, knowing his mother won’t approve of an R-rated movie. Brett warns that without the tickets, Evan’s Bar Mitzvah party will be a flop, leaving Evan socially sidelined. Faced with this dilemma, Evan brainstormed until he devises a plan involving Archie exploiting his illness to manipulate Evan’s mother (“All Hail the Brain/Terminal Illness”). Seeking to reconcile with Patrice, Evan invites her to the movie as his date, only to realize he’s inadvertently arranged for both Brett and Archie to have dates with Kendra at the same time and place. Determined to salvage the situation, Evan implores Archie to refrain from disrupting Brett’s date. With preparations underway, everyone gears up for Friday night (“Getting Ready”).
As everyone gathers at the movie theater, Brett prepares for his move, dubbed “The Tongue.” Lucy takes on the role of “Tongue Patrol,” while Kendra eagerly anticipates the moment alongside Eddie and Malcolm. However, amidst the excitement, Patrice feels neglected as Evan saves a seat for Archie instead of sitting with her (“Any Minute”). When Archie arrives, chaos ensues as he pokes Brett with his crutch. In a frantic moment, Archie moves in to kiss Kendra just as Brett attempts the same. Horrified, Evan tries to intervene, but it’s too late. Kendra, realizing the situation, defends herself by kneeing Brett. Archie reveals Evan’s involvement in the setup, leading to Brett breaking up with Kendra. Meanwhile, Lucy wastes no time in pursuing Brett, while Patrice, feeling abandoned, distances herself from Evan (“Good Enough”).
As Lucy and Brett’s relationship deepens, she exerts control over him, monopolizing his time. Brett’s friends recognize Lucy’s negative influence, understanding she’s detrimental to Brett and their social circle (“Bad News”). Determined to repair the damage, Evan vows to reunite Brett and Kendra, hoping to restore harmony. Despite Archie’s doubts, he implores Patrice to assist Evan in his mission. Initially reluctant, Patrice eventually agrees, though she conceals her true intentions from Archie. Surprising Evan with her support, Patrice joins forces with him to aid Brett. However, their attempts at reconciliation inadvertently lead to a heartfelt exchange between themselves, unnoticed by Brett (“Tell Her”).
Following his friends’ advice, Brett intervenes in the conflict between Lucy and Kendra, attempting to reconcile with Kendra. To his astonishment, she accepts his apology. Meanwhile, Lucy, unwilling to accept defeat, spreads a malicious rumor about Kendra cheating on Brett with Evan, orchestrating a confrontation between them (“It Can’t Be True”). As Brett confronts Evan in a fit of rage, Evan, fed up with Brett’s behavior, asserts his loyalty to Archie and Patrice. When Brett insults them, Evan retaliates, resulting in a physical altercation that leaves Evan with a nosebleed. Patrice rushes to his aid, demonstrating her loyalty. Meanwhile, Kendra shows compassion towards Archie before chasing after Brett. Initially hesitant about his Bar Mitzvah party’s turnout, Evan is reassured by Patrice and Archie, leading to a newfound optimism. Evan surprises Patrice with a kiss, reciprocated by her (“If That’s What It Is”). Ultimately, Evan decides to proceed with his Bar Mitzvah celebration, recognizing the journey of growing up and reflecting on the surprises that come with being thirteen (“A Little More Homework”).
The show concludes with an encore performance, accompanied by the band joining the cast onstage (“Brand New You”).
The Cast of Characters
Main Character
Evan Goldman – A twelve and a half going on thirteen Jewish city boy from New York City. His world has been completely flipped, prompting him to seize the reins. Possessing a rare mix of hopefulness and turmoil, he stands out for his strength and unwavering resolve. With a knack for humor, irony, and confidence, he also exudes intelligence and sensitivity, on the brink of stepping into adulthood. Bright, charming, and carrying a touch of nerdiness, he yearns for acceptance in a realm where he believes he belongs: among the popular crowd.
Age: 12 to 13 years old
Vocal Range: Bb2 to Bb4 (Tenor)
Dance: Mover
Supporting Characters
Patrice Parker – An introverted, brainy bookworm meets a down-to-earth, compassionate girl. Eccentric, unconventional, perhaps even geeky, she’s eager to kickstart her life far from her current surroundings. In her eyes, Appleton, Indiana, is the epitome of dullness, fueling her aspirations to flee to a locale teeming with culture and diversity. Her affection for Evan runs deep, making his abandonment for the “cool” crowd a painful blow. Despite her sensitivity and emotional depth, she’s far from a doormat, holding her ground with resilience.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: Eb3 to F#5 (Mezzo-Soprano, Belter)
Dance: Mover
Lucy Dunn – She’s a cunning, intelligent cheerleader, adept at playing the game while harboring a clandestine longing for her “friend” Kendra’s boyfriend, Brett. She’s the ultimate diva and a predator, reigning as the school’s queen bee. Ruthlessly determined, she spares no effort to achieve her desires, boasting more purses than principles and stopping at nothing to secure her goals. Lucy embodies intelligence, popularity, and style, skillfully manipulating her circle of friends to her advantage. Yet, beneath her facade lies a burning infatuation for Brett, driving her to extreme measures, even orchestrating rumors to sabotage the relationship between her best friend Kendra and Brett.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: F#3 to D5 (Mezzo-Soprano)
Dance: Mover
Kendra Quaker – The prettiest and most popular girl in school and head cheerleader. She radiates sweetness, bubbliness, and perkiness, yet carries an air of naivety and impressionability. Forever dwelling in Lucy’s shadow, she finds solace in her mutual affection with Brett. Oblivious to Archie’s infatuation, she remains sympathetic to his plight. However, her gentle nature often prevents her from standing up for what’s right, even when she’s aware of her best friend’s missteps.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: Bb3 to D5 (Mezzo-Soprano)
Dance: Mover
Archie Walker – A good-humored, intelligent, unpopular kid who suffers from muscular dystrophy. As a result, he has to wear crutches in order to walk. Despite his medical struggles, he possesses a remarkable outlook on life, granting him a profound maturity and self-assurance. Yet, his confidence wavers in the face of the football team’s intimidation and his unrequited love for Kendra.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: C3 to A4 (Tenor)
Dance: None
Brett Sampson – The vain junior high football star of his school. suave, good-looking, but lacking in intellect. Adored by the cheerleading squad, he prioritizes his own success, even if it means stepping on others. Leading a group of popular boys, he’s not afraid to resort to bullying tactics. Brett’s exclusivity extends to his interactions, often displaying rudeness towards those outside his circle, solely focused on maintaining his cool image and pursuing romantic interests.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: Bb2 to C5 (Tenor)
Dance: Mover
Eddie – One of Brett’s sidekicks, a wannabe popular kid, and a member of the football team. Like a miniature mafia boss, he exudes authority despite his small stature, barking orders and instilling fear among the nerds under Brett’s command. A formidable presence, he boasts an air of coolness and dramatic flair. Convinced of Lucy’s affection, oblivious to her true feelings, he confides everything in Brett. Serving as the mastermind among his group, including Brett and Malcom, Eddie is not one to trifle with, as he takes revenge to extreme measures.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: Bb2 to C5 (Tenor, Falsetto)
Dance: Mover
Malcolm – One of Brett’s sidekicks, a wannabe popular kid, and a member of the football team. Bringing a blend of suburban and urban perspectives to his world, he occupies the third position in the hierarchy, content with his place. Despite his rank, his rapid-fire speech and imposing confidence complement his obliviousness to the broader world. He’s firmly committed to serving, protecting, and emulating Brett, his primary reason for being.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: F#3 to C5 (Baritone, Falsetto)
Dance: Mover
Minor Characters
Richie – The class clown and the quintessential goofball. Always in motion, loved by all for his outgoing nature, and a social butterfly, he thrives on being at the center of it all, much like Cassie, Molly, and Charlotte. Whether it’s catching up on the latest gossip or snapping the perfect picture for his phone, he’s plugged into every aspect of school life.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: A2 to C5 (Tenor, Falsetto)
Dance: Mover
Simon – He’s the silent observer, content to blend into the background, yet somehow always ends up in the thick of things. With an effortless charm, he effortlessly attracts the attention of girls without even trying, yet his heart yearns for Charlotte, though he assumes she doesn’t share his feelings. In Brett’s shadow on the team, he serves as reliable backup, often overlooked but ever present. Behind his unassuming exterior lies a tech-savvy wizard and a hidden genius.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: C2 to G4 (Tenor)
Dance: Mover
Cassie – She’s an exemplary student, leading virtually every club with a laser focus on her goals. Dedicated to excellence, she balances academics, friendships, and staying on top of the latest trends with ease. Cassie epitomizes the ambitious go-getter, destined to helm a major corporation one day, already curating her wardrobe for the role. With an unparalleled sense of style, she’s a fashion-forward diva who thrives on gossip and social intrigue.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: C4 to F5 (Soprano)
Dance: Mover
Charlotte – She’s a girl who enjoys texting and spending time with her friends, but she’s incredibly gullible, often taking everything at face value. Unfortunately, other kids suspected her of spreading a rumor about Kendra and Evan.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: A#3 to F5 (Mezzo-Soprano, Belter)
Dance: Mover
Molly – Cool, hip, and confident. she’s the quintessential gossip queen, thriving on stirring up rumors and meddling in everyone’s affairs. With an insatiable appetite for drama, she revels in being the epicenter of all school gossip, wielding her knowledge of everyone’s secrets with a calculating finesse.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: F#3 to C#5 (Mezzo-Soprano, Belter)
Dance: Mover
Exploring the Music, Lyrics, and Dance of 13
Musical Style: Contemporary, Rock
Dance Requirements: Mild
Vocal Demands: High
Orchestra Size: Medium
Chorus Size: Medium
Act 1
| Song | Characters |
| “13/Becoming a Man” | Evan and Company |
| “The Lamest Place in the World” | Patrice |
| “Hey Kendra” | Brett, Malcolm, Eddie, Lucy, and Kendra |
| “Get Me What I Need” | Archie and Company |
| “Opportunity” | Lucy and Cheerleaders |
| “What It Means to Be a Friend” | Patrice |
| “All Hail the Brain/Terminal Illness” | Evan |
| “Here I Come” | Evan |
| “Getting Ready” | Archie, Evan, Lucy, Kendra, Brett, and Company |
| “Any Minute” | Brett, Kendra, Patrice, and Archie |
| “Good Enough” | Patrice |
| “Bad News” | Eddie, Malcolm, Simon, and Richie |
| “Tell Her” | Evan and Patrice |
| “It Can’t Be True” | Lucy, Molly, Cassie, Charlotte, and Company |
| “If That’s What It Is” | Archie, Patrice, and Evan |
| “A Little More Homework” | Evan and Company |
| “Brand New You” | Cassie, Charlotte, Molly, and Company |
Historical Context
Jason Robert Brown was very adamant about the show about the actors including the band be under the age of eighteen. Even though that was something unheard of, even some believing it was risky, Brown would not back down from the idea. He wanted to create a show that would help him feel like a kid again.
13 really came from my frustration with being the age I was and what the professional theater felt like. I thought if I do something that is with kids, I get to go back and have those feelings again. I get to go back and share that enthusiasm. And I didn’t want it just to be ‘let’s hire a bunch of kid actors and surround them with grown-ups.’ Let kids take over the whole theater! Everyone who communicated to the audience was going to be about 13 years-old.
Fun Fact
Initially, the show was presented as a longer, two-act production with an intermission. However, it was later condensed into a continuously running 90-minute one-act format.
This idea gave him the freedom to reconnect with his inner child and allowed him to find the fun and joy of creating again. At this point in time, Brown had only worked on serious and emotional adult shows. He needed a change in his career.
Up until I did 13, the shows I had done like “Songs for a New World“, “Parade”, and “The Last Five Years”. They were all very serious shows and they were very emotional shows and they were very grown-up pieces. What I was losing in my professional ambition at the time was the kind of ridiculous joy of creation that I had had as a kid.
Once Brown found a creative team to work with, his imagination came back and revived that child spirit.
According to my notes, I wrote 36 songs for 13 over the course of its development, and that doesn’t include some very large changes to existing songs. I’m also not entirely sure I’m finished yet, which is an astonishing thing to find myself typing. To bring those songs to life, and finally to Broadway, I relied on the incredible talents of a phalanx of teen actors, and the standard was set very high from the first time I shared one of the songs with an audience.
Despite the cast and band being young, they knocked their parts with incredible talent and hardworking spirits.
Fun Fact
“13” received a 2009 Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Lyrics.
“13” Cast Recording
The original Broadway cast recorded a cast album, which was released on September 20, 2008. However, because the cast album was recorded during the Broadway previews of the show, the track list and order of a few songs differ slightly from the final version seen by audiences. Here are the differences:
- “Good Enough” – Included in the Original Broadway Production, but not in the Cast Recording.
- “Opportunity” – Included in the Cast Recording, but was cut from production before opening night. In the movie “13: The Musical”, the song was included with new lyrics in a different spot in the storyline.
- “Here I Come” – Included in the Cast Recording, but was cut from production before opening night.
- “Being a Geek” – Was not included in the Original Broadway Production, but took the place of “Here I Come” in the movie version.
Broadway Buzz: 13
While the show may have only ran for 105 performances, audience members and critics alike enjoy the unique Broadway show.
“…Has on tap that natural radioactive energy that makes young teenagers so appealing.”
– NY Times
“The production sweeps… with the glitz and easygoing energy of a well-oiled comic book.”
– Talkin Broadway
“This kinetic, high-powered musical starring 13 pubescent teenagers has something for everyone.”
– NY Theatre Guide
“…has heart and charm.”
– Variety
“…impressively contemporary….”
– LA Times
Conclusion
Sure, you could be a geek, a poser, a jock, beauty queen or a wannabe. And these are labels that would potentially leave an impression on you for a lifetime. But what this little musical called “13” shows you life should not be about fitting in… but about standing out.
It’s not about whether you are a part of the cool, popular clique of friends or about being in the group of so-called outcasts. It’s about who you make yourself out to be based on your choices. Even though you only live to be 13 once, this story’s themes are ageless.
“The problems of a 13 year-old are eternal, aren’t they? The same things that bothered me when I was 13 in 1973, bother many 13 year-olds today. Every kid wants to fit in. Every kid feels like an outsider at some point. I think that the show addresses these issues with humor and honesty.
All teenagers have to explore emotions they go through. And hopefully, those emotions that come up are filled with laughter and memories that are timeless and priceless.
I don’t think those emotions are exclusive to adolescence, and they’re certainly not exclusive to adolescence at any particular time. There are just certain universal feelings about needing to belong, needing to connect, needing to find your community, feeling left out.
Sources
The following is where I got my information from:
- StageAgent
- Playbill
- Musical Theatre of Anthem
- Musical Theatre International
- Ken Davenport
- JasonRobertBrown
- IBDB
- Broadway Musical Home
- Act-1
13 FAQ
About the Author
Kim M.
I am a 20 something year old who enjoys a peaceful life in the country while simultaneously living for the drama in the stories I find myself reading everyday. Before my life in the quiet countryside, I lived in a life full of chaos and drama in the world we called musical theatre.
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