13

Like “Footloose”, “13” is a story of a split family, with the principal character a youth forced by circumstances beyond his control to move from the Big City (in this case, New York) to a small town (in Indiana). The difference is in the ages. “Footloose” is about a College Student, “13” is about a much younger boy, about to attain ‘manhood’ at his approaching Bar Mitzvah. As with “Footloose” there are romantic jealousies and sport-oriented disagreements as youths learn about adulthood and ‘growing-up’ with the attendant difficulties this brings. Nairn Brown (Evan) was the Jewish boy thrown into disarray by his parents’ split-up, hoping to find new friends in a new place. In his first principal rôle he did excellently, portraying the anger and frustrations of first-love and finding lasting friendships difficult. Jack McCluskey (Brett) and Sarah Kennedy (Kendra), footballing star and pretty cheerleader, gave Evan grief in many ways, and Laura Gallacher (Lucy) caused mayhem trying to break up Brett and Kendra. Eventually, Evan discovers two real friends, Laura McLellan (Patrice, the town’s social outcast) and Ben Timney (Archie, a handicapped boy) who stand by him and help him celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. Within the rest of the enthusiastic cast of forty-three there was lots of scope for sub-principals, and this Junior section of the main club is well-known for nurturing the local talent and encouraging them. My impression was that some of the dialogue was quite adult, and would probably pass over the heads of those that didn’t understand — but maybe that’s just because I am the age I am, thinking back two generations. An enjoyable evening, with excellent performances from all, particularly Evan and Archie, and I hope that audiences improved. CMS Juniors are invariably in the same week as the Peebles Conference, limiting my potential attendance, but the audience on the first night will hopefully have ‘spread the word’ and audiences would grow for the rest of the week.

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