13 The Musical
Information
- Date
- 8th June 2023
- Society
- Chelmsford Young Generation Amateur Musical Society
- Venue
- Chelmsford Theatre Studio
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Jimmy Hooper
- Musical Director
- Bryan Cass
I remember first seeing Young Gen in 13 The Musical, back in 2017 and thinking then just how relevant to young people this musical is and what a great one for them to perform. I was delighted to hear that they were again going to produce this show with NODA award winning Director Jimmy Hooper at the helm. His vision has obviously inspired these very talented young actors on stage as the energy and excitement from them was obvious. I have to also say that the choreography for this show was brilliant; being spot on as each dance routine was tight and smooth. I especially liked the Buzz Berkeley dance number ‘Opportunity,’ the girls with their pom-poms dancing around Kendra. And the school scene, where they all perfectly sat and moved as one.
Young Gen had lost younger members during the time of the Pandemic so it was good to see 30 young actors showing us that Essex definitely has talent and reminding us that youth theatre is now back.
The show opened with young Oliver Blowers singing a beautiful Jewish hymn then breaking open with ‘Thirteen/Becoming a Man’. He is looking forward to celebrating his Bar Mitzvah which happens when boys reach thirteen and become men. Handing out invites to all his friends to his party he finds his mother has decided to divorce and leave New York starting a new life in Indiana where he will not know anyone. Desperate to fit in with the kids at his new school he hurts new friends on the way and finally discovers you have to be true to yourself. Oliver was on stage for virtually the whole show and did the role real justice. A strong singing voice and good accent, he narrated all the way through and did an excellent job.
The first two friends that he meets are Patrice played by Olivia Surgett and Archie played by NODA Youth Winner Gene Gardner. What an excellent pair of actors these are. Both thought of as Geeks by the kids at school, they are outsiders but determined not to give in to the bullies. Patrice showed maturity and had a lovely voice. She falls in love with Evan even when he shuns her but winning him in the end with her confidence not to be one of the pack. Gene as Archie was amazing as the boy who suffers from muscular dystrophy and has to use crutches to get around. Full of great comedy timing, this young man really does show just how good you can be on stage.
Brett (Hugo Kalair) leads the pack of dim lads and their song ‘Hey Kendra’ was really well choreographed and humorous if the singing was a bit out of key sometimes. Hugo did well promoting the vain school football star and like Archie is desperate to have a date with Kendra. She is played beautifully by Phoebe Hooper but her best friend Lucy has other ideas as she wants Brett for herself. Lucy (Fortune Ibrahim) gave us the wow factor having a strong singing voice and excellent acting skills. Good characterisation by both girls who worked very well together.
The girls Cassie (Jess Martin) Charlotte (Layla McClean) and Molly (Edith Clements) Swing (Bethany Irvine) were all strong in their respective roles but for me Jess shone in the Finale song ‘Brand New You’ and caught my eye time and again with her smile, energy and great singing voice.
The boys Malcom (Tommy Edwards) Eddie (Joe Papalie) Richie (Freddie Estall) and Simon (Elliott Greaves) also put on good performances and added to the fun of the evening. While the ensemble provided excellent support and great dance routines.
The set was simple with fluorescent painted graffiti on the walls with a screen projecting images of each scene; this worked well. The orchestra led by Bryan Cass never once drowned the sound of the youngsters and as usual gave us very professional backing to the show.
Unfortunately my one bug bear was the lighting. The follow spots were really badly positioned and often one or more of the actors were sometimes in dark, while on occasions the LED Par Cans reacted slowly to cues which was a great shame and did tend to let the show down.
This was a superb production by all the cast and excellently directed by Jimmy Hooper. Young Gen never let us down with their shows and we are really looking forward to seeing Joseph later on in the year.
Congratulations to all.
Christine Davidson
NODA East District 8 Rep
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