13 The Musical

13 The Musical, if you’ve never seen it before like me, is about Evan Goldman, a New York teenager whose life is turned upside down when his parents’ divorce and he is forced to move to the small town of Appleton, Indiana. As he prepares for his Bar Mitzvah, Evan becomes determined to make new friends, fit in with the popular crowd, and throw the biggest party the town has ever seen. But as he navigates crushes, cliques, friendships, and betrayals, he learns that growing up isn’t about being popular, it’s about being true to yourself. It’s a story bursting with humour, heart, and the messy, chaotic beauty of adolescence.

Within the Z‑Arts theatre, we were greeted by an open stage with staging blocks and entrances that allowed for great proxemics, smooth transitions, and dynamic movement throughout the entire production. Manchester Musical Youth certainly used these with confidence. The cast flowed effortlessly across the space, creating a sense of constant motion that mirrored the emotional turbulence of the characters. The blocks were used inventively becoming lockers, classrooms, bleachers, bedrooms, and even the inside of Evan’s imagination. For a youth production, the spatial awareness and discipline were genuinely impressive.

Opening the show, we had the musical numbers 13 and Becoming a Man, led by Evan and the ensemble. This opening sequence gave way to some great vocals, energy, and character introductions. The cast hit the ground running, literally, with sharp choreography, crisp diction, and a sense of excitement that immediately pulled the audience into Evan’s world. The harmonies were tight, the staging was clean, and the youthful energy was infectious. It set the tone for a production that never once dipped in pace or commitment.

Evan, played by Jasper Holden, completely took me by surprise. This young man’s journey since seeing him in productions last year has gone from strength to strength, but this role certainly took him to the top. The way Jasper handled the characterisation, interaction, and vocal control was something spectacular. He balanced Evan’s desperation to fit in with his natural charm, making him both relatable and endearing. His comedic timing was sharp, his emotional beats were sincere, and his vocals were consistently strong. Jasper carried the show with the confidence of someone far older, and his performance anchored the entire production. Sarah Ali, who played Lucy, is no stranger to the MMY stage, but this part certainly took her into new territory. Lucy is a complex character, manipulative, dramatic, and fiercely determined and Sarah embraced every facet. Her performance in Opportunity was a standout moment, delivered with attitude, precision, and a vocal maturity that belied her age. She commanded the stage with ease, and her comedic instincts were spot on.

I have to say, Dominic Smith you are a comedy genius. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but you truly have a way with comedy. To achieve those magical moments on stage with timing, control, and those quick looks at the audience, paired with well‑timed pauses while playing Archie, was something incredible. Archie is a role that requires both humour and vulnerability, and Dominic balanced the two beautifully. His duet with Evan was heartfelt, and his comedic scenes were some of the biggest laugh‑getters of the night. You, young man, are certainly destined for something great.

Kendra, played by Eden Hamilton, was performed with such greatness and charm. She captured Kendra’s sweetness and innocence perfectly, and her vocals were clear and confident. Her scenes with Brett were particularly strong, and she handled the character’s emotional arc with sensitivity. Brett, played by William Madden, brought swagger, humour, and a surprising amount of nuance to the role. Brett can easily become a caricature, but William gave him depth. His performance in Hey Kendra was full of personality, and he navigated the comedic physicality of the role with ease. Patrice, played by Katie Hyde, was a breath of fresh air. She brought warmth, sincerity, and a beautiful vocal tone to the role. Her performance in What It Means to Be a Friend was one of the emotional highlights of the show. Katie’s ability to convey vulnerability without ever losing strength made Patrice deeply relatable.

The boys certainly brought comedic moments through on stage with their characterisation. Malcolm, played by Simeon Hope; Simon, played by Ewan Paddison; Eddie, played by Sebastian Millrine; and Richie, played by William Maher, were consistently entertaining. Their group numbers were full of personality, and their chemistry as a comedic ensemble was excellent. They each created distinct characters, and their timing, especially in scenes involving Brett was sharp and well‑rehearsed.

Musical numbers such as Brand New You, All Hail the Brain, and Bad Bad News were sung with such confidence and energy. Brand New You in particular was a show‑stopping finale, bursting with joy and celebration. The ensemble filled the stage with movement, harmonies, and genuine excitement, leaving the audience buzzing.

The Cheerleaders, with their sharp choreography and bold characterisation, and the Geeks, with their quirky humour and tight ensemble work, were great because they created two distinct worlds within the school environment. Their interactions added layers of comedy and contrast, and their commitment to their roles made every group scene feel alive.

Overall, thanks to the brilliantly talented production team of Dave and Kimberly Holden, and choreography by Sarah Binns with assistant choreographer Rose Warburton, we were treated to a production that felt polished, passionate, and full of heart. The choreography was age‑appropriate yet challenging, pushing the cast to deliver high‑energy routines with precision. The direction ensured that every character had purpose, every scene had clarity, and every moment contributed to the story.

This youth production of 13 The Musical was nothing short of outstanding. The cast’s professionalism, talent, and enthusiasm shone through in every number. They tackled a demanding score, complex characters, and fast‑paced staging with confidence and joy. It was a privilege to watch such a young cast deliver a performance of this calibre, and I left the theatre genuinely excited for what each of them will do next.

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