When in Manila and feeling nostalgic about the time when you were growing up and the biggest question you ever asked is, “How do I fit in?” Reminisce first kisses, courtship, bullying, dramatic life schemes and adolescence in general. Let’s go back to the time when, let’s say, you were 13?
In its 21st season, the Ateneo Blue Repertory takes on the challenge of presenting the life as a continuous journey. The productions of the season aim to take the audience on a trip to ask what part of the journey they’re in, what they have done to get there where they plan to end up to.
To start the season, the Ateneo Blue Repertory brings you 13: The Musical. The show follows the story of Evan Goldman, on the verge of turning 13 and finally becoming a man. Just as this awaited date comes, his parents get divorced and he is forced to move to “middle-of-nowhere” Appleton, Indiana. Here he tries to make friends with the cool kids in the school to build a new reputation. At first his ideas seem to go out as planned by then his schemes suddenly falls back and gets him in trouble. To redeem himself, Evan with the help of the school geek slash his new found friend Patrice, goes through the stage of discovering himself and dealing with the consequences of his actions. He discovers the secret to growing up-learning from our actions and keep on keeping on, no matter how unsure we are of our destination.
The Blue Repertory’s take on 13: The Musical was outstanding! The vibe as youthful as you can imagine! The technicals, production, sounds, set/props and choreography were placed together very well. And the colour blocking of the costumes raised the youthful tone thoroughly. The direction was undeniably exceptional. You have to give it up to blueREP alumnus Christopher de Venecia for putting in such a great and entertaining show.
The original 13: The Musical show had actual 13 year olds in the cast, but the team decided to cast artist that already went through their 13’s resulting to a more mature, emotional and sweet portrayal of their roles and thus a better moving story. They did such an awesome job you’d be thinking that everyone’s nothing but 13!
The cast of 13: The Musical features RJ Santillan as Evan, Bernice Reyes as Patrice, David Mercado as Archie, Roxci de Leon as Lucy, Raya Esteban as Kendra, Darrell Uy as Brett, Wrench Canicosa as Malcolm, Nikki Surtida as Eddie, Arjo Mejilla as Simon, Maronne Cruz as Charlotte, and Abegail Esteban as Cassie.
The show did take me back in time! It was a blast remembering the time when I was still 13; trying to figure out who I really am and trying to make myself fit with the crowd at the same time.
When in Manila, catch 13: The Musical and let it take you back in time and reminisce the days when you were still 13. The musical runs on the following dates: July 25-28, August 1-4, 8-11 at 8pm, July 28, August 4 and 11 at 3pm at the Fine Arts Theatre, 3F Gonzaga Hall, Ateneo de Manila University. Contact Aina Pacificador at 09175002462 for tickets because you simply need to watch this show!
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Ateneo Blue Repertory takes you back in time with 13: The Musical
