Greasepaint Youth Theater’s 13 The Musical was a high-energy, laugh-out-loud production that perfectly captured the chaos and charm of middle school life. The young cast delivered mature comedy with sharp timing, making the show both hilarious and heartfelt.
13 The Musical follows Evan Goldman, a New York City kid whose life is turned upside down when his parents divorce, forcing him to move to a small town in Indiana. As he plans his bar mitzvah, Evan faces the ultimate middle school challenge—fitting in with the cool kids while staying true to himself.
Luca Grasso shined as Evan, perfectly capturing the awkwardness and earnestness of a kid trying to belong, while Kennedy Cook brought warmth and brightness to Patrice, making her both endearing and grounded. Anna Scales was a standout as Lucy, delivering the role with just the right blend of charm and manipulative edge.
The show kicked off with 13/Becoming a Man, a dynamic opening number that set the tone for the night. The group numbers were where this cast truly shined—the ensemble brought incredible energy and enthusiasm, making songs like Getting Ready and Opportunity feel vibrant and fun. The big group scenes were packed with life, capturing the chaotic and exciting world of middle school friendships, rivalries, and crushes.
One of the funniest moments of the night was Hey Kendra, led by Rob Foley and Samuel Roalofs as Brett’s goofy jock buddies. They stole every scene they were in, bringing non-stop laughs with their over-the-top energy, especially during Hey Kendra and That Girl is Bad, Bad News. Their comedic timing and chemistry made them audience favorites.
Musically, Opportunity and Lamest Place in the World stood out, showcasing strong vocals and emotional depth that added heart to the humor. The cast chemistry was undeniable, especially between Evan and his friends, which grounded the comedy and made the relationships feel real.
Director Nat Coe balanced humor and emotion beautifully, creating a show that was not only hilarious but also sincere. Greasepaint Youth Theater’s 13 The Musical was a joyful, high-energy production filled with memorable performances, big laughs, and a whole lot of heart—a fun and vibrant reminder of the trials and triumphs of growing up.
Director: Nat Coe
Musical Director: Mary Ellen Loose
Choreographer: Olivia Feldman
Stage Manager: Taylor Penn
Set Designer: Chase Budden and Pete Bish
Costume Designer: Stacey Feldman
Lighting Designer: Dale Nakagawa
Sound Designer: Pete Bish
Props Designer: Tatum Grell
Cast:
Evan: Luca Grasso
Patrice: Kennedy Cook
Archie: River Knight
Brett: Tre Richards
Lucy: Anna Scales
Kendra: Santhana Rajasundaram
Richie: Wade Miller
Malcolm: Rob Foley
Eddie: Samuel Roalofs
Simon: Elijah Liu
Charlotte: Presley Bonnett
Cassie: Madeleine Lamont
Molly: Riley Gerkin
Rabbi/Ensemble: Jackson Brodie
Ensemble: Audrey Allen, Abby Baumbach, Maggie Chandler, Alfie Christie, Kaylee Forth, Beckett Gambrel, Garland, Rylan Ginsberg, Bridgette Lamont, Shiloh Sky McDonough, Maria Tabbilos, Lucy Woudenberg