With the possible exception of Rent and Spring Awakening I think Jason Robert Brown has been responsible for the best American musicals of the last twenty years (and a major influence on many others) even if commercial cuccess has been elusive. 13 is a perfect showcase for the NYMT and is probably the only way this terrific show would be seen in the West End and an astonishingly talented young cast have the privelege of being directed by Brown himself. There are hints of Grease, Footloose and of course High School Musical (which came later) but the story of a geeky Jewish pre-teen transplanted from New York to rural Indiana has great charm and is much funnier than Brown's other more serious work. Guy Harvey is hugely engaging if a little vocally strained in the lead as Evan. Jack Cashion and Tim Mahendran have genuine comic talent and casting directors will surely be noting the name of Sienna Kelly who sings superbly and is touching as the outsider Patrice. Isn't Coveney a miserable old git? 2-stars is ridiculous for this delightful show performed with exuberance by a remarkable cast of young amateurs - 13 stands comparison with any other musical I have seen this year. - David Baxter
26 Aug 12
Also not related to any of the performers, saw this tonight and thought it was wonderfully done. Barely a weak link in the cast with the Archie and Patrice (sorry, don't have a programme) particularly strong. Like many reviewers nowadays I fear that age is a factor here and their reviews have to be read accordingly. Would I give it five stars if it was twenty and thirty somethings? Maybe not but the whole cast is between about 12 and 16 and they deserve it. - Paul
24 Aug 12
Rather surprised by this backlash - M. Coveney's review seems pretty fair - the young performers were energetic and talented (and I'm not sure he says they're not anywhere??), but essentially the show itself is pretty weak. I'm a huge JRB fan in general - no 'personal beef with the composer' here, but 13 is too full of cliches for me, even when performed with the gusto of the generally excellent NYMT.
I have a feeling I'm the only commenter who's a) not a parent/friend of one of the performers and b) hasn't forgotten that you should only be as rude on the internet as you would be willing to be to someone's face, because this is certainly not a five star show. - Nick Tatlock
24 Aug 12
The show was TREMENDOUS! Great songs, super energy by a very talented young cast, and very moving. "A little more homework" one of best theater songs ever. Enjoyed it more than on Broadway Just back from London vacation, and a highlite of the trip. Thanks JRB! - Mike Shaughnessy
24 Aug 12
my kids LOVED this and what's more so did I , my my Mum and Dad too, this is for all the family , and very well produced and performed. My daughter wants to go again. Having read this review, I cannot believe it is the same show this man is talking about! - S. Anderson
24 Aug 12
so many negatives in a review smack of a personal beef with the composer..what a shame that a previously respected.com read has sunk to the level of loo paper. there is not to DISlike about this production, the whole thing was a pleasure to experience from beginning to end, and i would have paid double the price for my ticket. Wow it must be a bitter and sour drink you were supping on that night Coveney!. People this is an amazing , fresh vibrant and buzzing show, that you will LOVE , don't tread the sour grapes with this review !! - Lynnie Lines
24 Aug 12
Must of seen a different show to me coz it qas amazing from start to finish the kids have their all but didnt act the hell out of it obviously not a Jrb fan of that's the case maybe should sent someone who is!! - Helen Riley
23 Aug 12
I'm not quite sure why he sees the amplification of young voices accompanied by a rock band in any way strange or sad. What a pity he failed to note, at least, the tremendous energy and genuine enthusiasm of the young cast - or the somewhat more appreciative response of the audience. I doubt that anyone reading this would feel it to be an honest account of what actually occurred but, rather, a miserable and surly sideswipe at Jason Robert Brown from someone who appears to have a rather grimy axe to grind. - George Albion
23 Aug 12
Mr Coveney must have seen a different production to me. This production had energetic talented young people really enjoying what they were doing and doing well. It was superb and entertaining. Brilliant despite what sad Mr Coveney might says. - D. Mahendran
23 Aug 12
Who is Michael Coveney?!! Full of laughs, brilliant music and talented kids. A must see...we're going again! - S Baldock
