Some of the shows were performed in costume, most likely due to proximity (Billy Elliot, In the Heights), 3pm matinees (Jersey Boys, The Fantasticks), no matinees (Chicago) and being in rehearsals (Ragtime, White Christmas, Fela!).

The audience appreciated all the shows as they were announced, especially the popular ones like Jersey Boys, which featured a performance by the “Jersey Girls” who sang “Walk Like a Man”.  I had to say, it was a nice change, though I’m sure that there were people who wanted the guys instead.

There seemed to be less people in attendance than last year, most likely due to the US Open.  At the end, when the confetti fell, you could tell that it was just tossed off the roofs of the buildings because they came down in clumps.

Image from www.nytix.com

Rating: 5 out of 5 masks

It’s a high school musical for those who love or hate High School Musical.

Image from backstage.blogs.com

13 tells the story of Evan, who is uprooted from New York City to a small town in Indiana after his parents’ divorce.  What bothers Evan most about the move is that he’ll have to have his bar mitzvah in a town where he’s unknown.  To remedy that, he tries to get in with the “in crowd” to assure attendees to his party.  Unfortunately for Evan, that would mean alienating the two friends he made prior to the start of the school year which leads him to make a choice.

I went in thinking “Oh, great a high school musical copy” but gave it a chance when I found out via the internet that the show had improved since its previews.  I was glad I went and found myself immersed in the story and songs, which were my absolute favorite part of the show.  The songs were so original and you almost forget that they were written by an adult for kids (which could go either way).  I liked how each one was different and the choreography matched the music.

The show is performed entirely by children who are 13 (although if you’re a good judge of age, not all the kids seem that age), especially the band that plays throughout the show.  I thought they were all talented, especially the actresses portraying Patrice and Lucy.  I thought the character of Evan was ok.  I understood his despair at having to move and really like his expositions as the musical went along.  I really enjoyed the rock concert-like end of the show, where all the performers showed off what they could do, in case those skills weren’t featured in the show.

This show is appropriate for everyone, especially teenagers and their parents.  It would make a perfect family night where after the show the kids and parents can talk and compare their lives.  It would be perfect for  tweens because the show offers up lessons without being preachy about being yourself no matter what.

Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes (no intermission)