13, THE MUSICAL Begins At The Kelsey Theatre

The Pennington Players are excited to bring "13, The Musical," to the Kelsey Theatre stage. "13," a grown-up story about growing up, featured the only all-teenage cast ever to hit Broadway! "13" is a musical with lyrics and music by Jason Robert Brown and a book by Dan Elish, with Robert Horn as co-librettist. Dates and show times are Fridays and Saturdays, July 29, July 30 and August 5, 6 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays, July 31 and August 7 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on July 29th. Some local teen bands will also be featured as opening acts prior to several of the performances. Bands will play beginning around 6:45 pm. A ticket to the performance is required to hear the bands.

The show follows 13-year-old Evan Goldman - played by Tanner Mead of Burlington, NJ - who moves from New York City to Indiana in the wake of his parents' divorce. Evan just wants to make friends and survive the school year; easier said than done. The star quarterback is threatening to ruin his life and his only friend, Patrice, won't talk to him. The school freak sees an opportunity for blackmail and someone is spreading the nastiest rumors.

With an unforgettable rock score from Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, "13" is a hilarious, high-energy musical for all ages about discovering that cool is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it.

Joining Mead is a fantastic cast of talented teens, featuring Meredith Brandt of Voorhees as Patrice; Matthew Blazejewski of Trenton as Archie; Wesley Cappiello of Hamilton as Brett; Ellen Rothfuss of Roosevelt as Kendra; Natalia Maccaroni of Robbinsville as Lucy; J Scott of Allentown as Malcolm; Jared Kirsch of Livingston as Eddie; Uvay Trivedi of Columbus as Richie; Nicky Rosolino of Princeton as Simon; Caroline Purdy of Cranbury as Cassie; Melissa Geerlof of Mercerville as Molly and Karaline Rosen of Robbinsville as Charlotte.
Director Laurie Gougher is thrilled to bring this show to the Kelsey stage for the first time. "I just love the show," she said, "it's a wonderful story about that awkward time in life when kids have one foot in childhood and one foot in adulthood. And the music is contagious. The show really appeals to teens currently living through this life phase, kids who are anticipating their teenage years, parents who may be looking for insight into the teenage mindset and nostalgic adults of all ages."

Another reason I'm excited about this show is the kids," she added. "I really enjoy working with young actors, especially at this age. They are smart and talented and just coming into their own. Teenage actors are often dismissed as too old to play cute children, yet too young to play adult roles. 13 is the kind of show where a young actor can really blossom and I'm proud to be a part of that."

Kelsey audiences will recognize many familiar faces in the production staff: Beverly KuoHamilton, producer and stage manager; Laurie Gougher, director; Peter de Mets, musical director; John Boccanfuso, choreographer; Ben Burwell, lighting design; and Kathy Slothower, costume design.

Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $12 for students and children. To order tickets online, visit the Kelsey website or call the Kelsey Theatre Box Office at (609) 570-3333.

Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on July 29th. Theatre is wheelchair accessible; free parking is available next to the theater.