Overview
Synopsis
Evan Goldman is about to turn thirteen, and he can’t wait. His life seems full of possibilities -- that is, until his parents get divorced, and he is forced to move with his mom from big-city New York to podunk Appleton, Indiana. If Evan can’t get the coolest kids to come to his bar mitzvah, how is he going to survive the school year, not to mention, the rest of his life? As Evan navigates the world of cool kids and nerds, jocks and cheerleaders, first kisses and heartbreak, he comes to understand “What it Means to Be a Friend.” With a bright, catchy pop score from Jason Robert Brown, equal doses of humor and pathos, and a cast of wildly talented teens, 13 is irresistible to grown ups and almost-grown ups alike.
Show Information
Context
13 played its first production in Los Angeles in 2007. It went on to be performed again, pre-Broadway, in 2008 at the Goodspeed Opera House. Later that year it made its debut on Broadway with a cast of teenagers yet to know the limelight. 13 played 105 performances at the Bernard B. Jacobs theatre. This production is known most notably for casting a young Elizabeth Gillies and Ariana Grande who both went on to star in the hit Nickelodeon show “Victorious,” and the latter ultimately becoming
to read the context for 13 (Thirteen) and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Right on the brink of his thirteenth birthday, Evan Goldman is facing a big turning point in his life, his Bar Mitzvah. As he comes near this point of adulthood, he laments the pressures of puberty, on top of his parents' messy divorce (“13/Becoming a Man”). Just as Evan feels a bit more confident, his mother breaks the news that he will be moving with her to Indiana. He is less than pleased to be going, but does make friends with his neighbor, Patrice, once he arrives. He tells her that there
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Showing 8 of 14 characters
Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in 13 (Thirteen).
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Songs
Showing 8 of 19 songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
THEMES
Coming of Age
In 13, the theme of coming of age permeates Evan's journey from a naive 12-year-old New Yorker to a more self-aware teenager, encapsulated by his preparations for the titular bar mitzvah, which forces him to confront the messy realities of maturity amid his parents' divorce and relocation to Indiana. This theme unfolds through Evan's initial excitement in the opening number "Thirteen/Becoming a Man," where he envisions turning 13 as a gateway to independence,
to read about the themes, symbols and motifs from 13 (Thirteen) and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
A powerful, resonant singing technique used in musical theatre to project high notes with chest voice.
A vocal technique blending chest and head voice to create a strong yet flexible sound for higher pitches.
