Broadway musical "13" doesn't quite score a 10 with critics

While drawing the inevitable comparisons to Disney's powerhouse franchise "High School Musical," East Coast critics seemed to agree the musical "13" probably isn't for everyone.

The musical paean to adolescence, with music by Tony-winning songwriter Jason Robert Brown ("Parade") and book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn, had its world premiere at Los Angeles' Mark Taper Forum last year (with a different director, cast, creative team and sans Horn). It opened on Broadway on Sunday night at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater in New York.

Ben Brantley of the New York Times calls the cast "fine" but says, "I can’t imagine that anyone who isn’t in early adolescence would be crazy about '13,' the shiny and brash new musical about growing up geeky."

David Rooney at Variety agrees: "There's not much in this sweet all-adolescent tuner to engage anyone past puberty..."

While praising the performers, Elise Gardner of USA Today said, "'13' is, if hardly awesome (not even in the lesser sense of the word), an innocuous and sometimes touching diversion."

Michael Kuchwara of the Associated Press writes that "'13' has obvious appeal for a tween audience and certainly offers sound advice for getting on with life."

And over at the Newark Star-Ledger, Michael Sommers writes," "Sophisticates may sneer at such uncynical entertainment existing on Broadway, but "13" possesses a nimble, amusing book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn and, even better, a really enjoyable score by Jason Robert Brown.

And here's what L.A. Times theater critic Charles McNulty had to say about "13" when it was in L.A.

--Lisa Fung

Photo: Allie Trimm and Graham Phillips. Credit: Joan Marcus

Comments

[Angelica]

everyone is entitled to their own opinion if someone doesnt like a certain play movie its up to them.... obiously High School Muiscal got big in the teen department because its appeling to the teens and younger kids so what its a good movie

I certainly hope the target audience might be able to respond about the show! Why is it necessary to point out the "under 13 clause" of the message board?

[Samantha]

I don't personally think Broadway is a great outlet for the tween generation. How many tweens have actually been to broadway and seen a play? Besides those that live on the upper east side. The reason High School Musical works was because it was on cable TV and the newest one in theaters.... something that is accesible to the eveyday public -- not just those that are in New York.

[Bob]

Funny, I remember when "13" WAS a musical, back in the 70s. Heck, I was even IN it.....

Produced by the Creative Initiative Foundation (yea, world-saving hippies), you can still find the soundtrack in some stores/online.

[Scott Friedman]

Since 13 was only my second Broadway show that I had seen in my life, my expectations for it were very high. Thankfully, all of my expectations were fulfilled. 13 is not only a show with an all teenage cast, but a story, a journey, about the troubles that kids endure when they become teenagers.

Evan Goldman, who is preparing to have his Bar Mitzvah, is torn apart when he learns that his parents are getting a divorce, and he must move from lively New York City to "The Lamest Place In The World", Appleton, Indiana. Evan must choose between either being what he isn't and have all the "cool kids" attend his Bar Mitzvah, or being himself and having two really good, close friends.

13 is a riveting story about forgetting stereotypes and being your true self to gain real friends. "What It Means To Be A Friend" is an absolutely breathtaking song, not only because Allie has an unbeatable voice, but because the song expresses what a true friend really is and how they should always be there for you. I absolutely loved the cast (even being teenagers gave a wonderful performance) and the band, who without it, there would be no music for the amazing cast to sing to. Jason Robert Brown did a great job with turning this book into a dramatic, yet fun-filled Broadway hit!

[Jake Price]

13 is an incredible show! I've seen the show myslef and NEED to go back fro more. Although I can understand why critics might not like it -- they are adults. This is a broadway show MADE for teenagers. It is funny, sad, dramatic, and full of something for everybody! If you don't like 13, well then shame on you, because it totally rocks! Listen to what even more eople are saying on 13fans.com! this is where the REAL reviews are going on.

[Brittany]

“No you’re not ready, not it’s not time yet, no it’s not right now, wait until you’re older.” Phrases I’m sure you heard time and time again when you were younger. Not this time. 13 The Musical, amazing new show has broken this mold and thanks to them we’ve been able to welcome Broadway’s first all teen cast!

The story starts in New York City with Evan Goldman as he is preparing for his Bar Mitzvah. Unfortunately, his parents go through a bitter divorce and he is forced to move to the small town of Appleton, Indiana, a.k.a. the lamest place in the world. There, he meets his neighbor Patrice and they become friends. Once school starts Evan finds the need to do everything in his power to have the best Bar Mitzvah ever. So he leaves Patrice, the quirky, offbeat, and even geeky girl, for the cool crowd.

13 The Musical goes through all the highs and lows of becoming a teenager. Crushes, jealousy, gossip, friendships, enemies, drama, break-ups, make-ups, and even make-outs! This high-energy show is filled with talented actors and musicians and is a definite must see for anyone who has gone through or is planning on being 13.
Brittany

[Jason Cohen]

13: The Musical is amazing. A Jewish boy is about to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah, when his parents divorce and he moves to a small town. Now he has the choice to have all the popular kids or just invite his real friends, the not popular kids. The fun up-beat music by Jason Robert Brown is truly how musical theater should be. I just celebrated my bar mitzvah. I have gone through what the main character is going through. Because the whole cast and band are ages 13-17, I felt like they were my friends on stage. The cast will sign autographs outside the theater after the show. I recommend for everyone to go see this musical. Anyone can relate to this story because we all were or will be 13.

[Hillary]

13 the musical is a great show!! it is full of energy and the kids are so amazingly talented. I highly recommend it for all teenagers in the new york area

[susoo]

Hmmmmm, "anyone who is 13 may be able to relate to the stories" but one cannot ignore that these are 13 year old students in NYC and not one Asian in the cast.
How realistic is this? Does the jewish kid not have any Asian friends?
The story may have been updated from the 70s but it certainly hasn't taken the realistic notion that there isn't a school in NYC that doesn't have Asians in them....Kinda disappointing.

13 what a disappointment!!! Don't waste your money or time.
These kids may be on broadway but they are not broadway quality.
You'd be better off staying home and watching a movie>

[jaene mather]

This show is completely inappropriate for audiences under the age of 15 and honestly much of the references to "tonguing" "wanna get drunk" "you are a slut" is really not the type of show to take a pre teen too. There is a reason it only lasted a few months on broadway. Local children's theater companies should be careful about this selection to do as it could cause some concern from parents attending and not being aware of the types of conversations the characters are having on stage. Nice music, nice idea but really not the right thing for young teens.

[Sally]

My school is putting on this musical this season. A lot of the past, more "senior stars" arn't very thrilled that were doing it. We did Suessical the Musical a few years back, which was kid friendly, but a lot of us can't relate with the characters. Com'on, most of us are graduating in one or two years, these topics are certainly over-rated for most of us now.