13 (SAOS Youth Theatre)
If you aren’t aware of Jason Robert Brown, you’re obviously not a follower of a modern musical genre that is slowly but, surely increasing in popularity and being taken to a wider audience. One might have thought that choosing one of his lesser known works in ‘13’ was a risk for the first production of the youth section of Stourbridge Amateur Operatic Society and I might have agreed as I settled down in the slightly oppressive heat and the lights dimmed at Stourbridge Town Hall. What followed had to be seen, heard in fact experienced to be believed as a cast of obscenely talented youngsters blew the roof off the venue and elicited an exceptional response from the audience.
Telling the story of a boy suffering parental split, a major locational move and the perils of becoming a teenager in a new environment, there are a considerable array of emotional ups and downs, not to mention a rich tapestry of individual characters to contend with along the way.
Oliver Keeling’s performance in the lead role of Evan Goldman is frankly sensational, not a move out of place or a note dropped, I can only imagine the future holds another role by the same name, Evan Hansen and a career on the stage. Ultimate friends are few, in fact only two that can be counted on, slightly tomboyish rejector of the stereotypical norm Patrice, played with just the right level of detatched concern by Hannah Shillingford and a deft piece of obviously well researched character acting from James Bastable as the physically challenged Archie.
Tom O’Leary cuts a fine figure as school heartthrob Brett and some true comedy delights are delivered from his diminutive sidekicks, Eddie and Malcolm, played with expert wit and timing by George Blower and Harry Way respectively. Complementary stage skills and presence come from the female side of the cast, pin-up cheer team leader Kendra played stylishly by India Shinton and her somewhat jealous and self-centred friend Lucy another masterful piece of characterisation from Shannon Lee.
In my experience it’s rare to find quite so many exceptional voices on one stage, however that’s exactly what this production offers and three of the best are Madeline Rock, Ella Fisher and Sami Brasenell as Cassie, Charlotte and Molly all with powerful and soulful vocals. Equally it is great to see more than the average amount of young male talent usually in short supply, including James Luckins authentic Rabbi and George Pilliner as another core character Simon.
Let’s not forget the supporting cast playing a range of different roles and keeping a stage with minimal set, alive with action.
Finally, whilst this is very much a show dominated by the youth performers, it’s unlikely that it would have been brought to the stage without the outstanding contributions of Director/Choreographer, Rachel Davies and Musical Director, Nick Jeavons who have moulded the talent available and delivered a stratospheric piece of entertainment. So don’t think twice as there only two performances left, book your tickets and avoid a lifetime of regret wishing you’d seen an epic production of ‘13’.
Book Here
Telling the story of a boy suffering parental split, a major locational move and the perils of becoming a teenager in a new environment, there are a considerable array of emotional ups and downs, not to mention a rich tapestry of individual characters to contend with along the way.
Oliver Keeling’s performance in the lead role of Evan Goldman is frankly sensational, not a move out of place or a note dropped, I can only imagine the future holds another role by the same name, Evan Hansen and a career on the stage. Ultimate friends are few, in fact only two that can be counted on, slightly tomboyish rejector of the stereotypical norm Patrice, played with just the right level of detatched concern by Hannah Shillingford and a deft piece of obviously well researched character acting from James Bastable as the physically challenged Archie.
Tom O’Leary cuts a fine figure as school heartthrob Brett and some true comedy delights are delivered from his diminutive sidekicks, Eddie and Malcolm, played with expert wit and timing by George Blower and Harry Way respectively. Complementary stage skills and presence come from the female side of the cast, pin-up cheer team leader Kendra played stylishly by India Shinton and her somewhat jealous and self-centred friend Lucy another masterful piece of characterisation from Shannon Lee.
In my experience it’s rare to find quite so many exceptional voices on one stage, however that’s exactly what this production offers and three of the best are Madeline Rock, Ella Fisher and Sami Brasenell as Cassie, Charlotte and Molly all with powerful and soulful vocals. Equally it is great to see more than the average amount of young male talent usually in short supply, including James Luckins authentic Rabbi and George Pilliner as another core character Simon.
Let’s not forget the supporting cast playing a range of different roles and keeping a stage with minimal set, alive with action.
Finally, whilst this is very much a show dominated by the youth performers, it’s unlikely that it would have been brought to the stage without the outstanding contributions of Director/Choreographer, Rachel Davies and Musical Director, Nick Jeavons who have moulded the talent available and delivered a stratospheric piece of entertainment. So don’t think twice as there only two performances left, book your tickets and avoid a lifetime of regret wishing you’d seen an epic production of ‘13’.
Book Here
Comments
Post a Comment