13 Jr.

My thanks To Monmouth Comprehensive School. For their welcome invitation. To see their latest production. 13, Junior. This was a new experience for me. As I had never seen this. Production before. The basis of this story? Appears to be that of a young  boy who is about to turn 13 moving from the bustle of New York city to a small town in Indiana following his parents’ divorce. Evan is desperate to establish his place within this new society and hopes to do this by inviting his High School peers to the most important party he has ever had, his Bar Mitzvah celebration. Evan must make some big choices between popularity and real friendship.

Evan played with great sensitivity by Lawrence Regan, clearly showed the turmoil of the teenager longing to be accepted by the “in crowd” and the mistake of turning your back on a valued friendship. With excellent facial expression and body gestures, Lawrence managed to show every change in emotion and the conflicting choices he had to make. Very well done.

Patrice, the long-suffering friend played by Neve Owen gave a very understanding characterisation. Just the right level of acceptance and annoyance from a true friend. Good facial expression and reaction to a scene even when in the background made an impact. Very well done.

Lucy our resident “meanie” played by Lexi Whittington and Kendra the most popular cheer leader played by Gracie Smith clearly displayed the best and worst of being young, female, attractive and determined teens. Their characterisation was very appropriate for the age and time. The girls looked good both had good stage awareness. Well cast.

Brett our hometown boy and alpha male was well played by Aled Phillips, who proved he could lip synch to perfection. My congratulations to Aled who despite having a vocal dysfunction didn’t miss a beat and carried on with the assistance of his brother Owain [singing offstage] and I can honestly say the audience were non the wiser. This was no small accomplishment, my respect to you both. Very well done.

Harvey Brown playing Archie, once again shows confidence and a professional attitude in the characterisation. With excellent delivery and superb comic timing he brought the character of Archie to life and made the stage his own. Very well done

The supporting cast within this society never cease to amaze with there individual stage skills and total enthusiasm. Each member gives 100% and their support to each other is always in evidence. Great moves from the cheerleaders and great to see a Tap number in the show. The gang number “Bad Bad News” was very entertaining and the cinema scene very well-choreographed. 

My congratulations to you all, The Staff team, Student Team and Cast. A lovely performance much appreciated by the whole audience. 

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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