Steel River Playhouse was packed this past weekend, for “13, ” the summer youth musical about a 12-year-old Jewish boy who is transplanted from New York City to small-town Indiana due to his parents divorce. The coming-of-age story touches on themes and issues relevant to today’s teens — especially trying to fit in in a new environment.
Last weekend, a talented cast of about 35 area teens aged 11 to 17, delivered the high-energy songs and routines with intensity and passion as only teenagers can.
Tyler Montgomery played the key role of Evan Goldman, who wants to get in with the popular kids at his new school so they will come to his bar mitzvah party when he turns 13. Along the way, he makes some poor choices as he tries to impress the cool kids. Montgomery put his vocal talents to use in many numbers, but stood out in “Thirteen,” “A Little More Homework” and “Tell Her,” a duet with Sam Dobson as Patrice, the girl who becomes his first friend. She was spot on as the bookish geek who doesn’t fit in with the “in” crowd. In addition to the duet, she turned in outstanding performances in “The Lamest Place in the World,” and “What It Means to Be a Friend.”
Evan’s other new friend is Archie, a crippled boy comes up with schemes to help Evan and himself get what they think they want – Evan, popularity and Archie – a date with Kendra, everyone’s dream girl at school.
David Eurillo has comedic flair as Archie and shows he can sing as well in “Get What I Need” and “If That’s What It is” with Montgomery and Dobson.
Another key role is Brett, the jock, who has everyone at his beck and call, played to the hilt by Joseph Kelley. He was supported by two budding comedians who had the audience roaring with laughter. Michael Thornton played Eddie and Liam Keenan, Malcolm, Brett’s minions, and their routines were some of the funniest in the show. Their “Bad, Bad News” in the second act was definitely one of the high points in the show.
Srinath Govindarajula had one of the smaller, but best parts in the show. He was hilarious as the Rabbi.
The guys in the cast aren’t the only one to have fun, Emily Reitz was flirty, but demure as Kendra and Grace Storti turned in a delightful mean girl as Lucy, who schemed to get Brett for herself. Stroti was joined by Jessica Samilenko (Molly), Emma Burrus (Charlotte) and Lauren Dougherty (Cassie) for “It Can’t Be True,” a delightfully devious, gossip song.
The cast also included: Alex Teufel (Simon), Stephen Eurillo (Richie), and the ensemble, Juliana Buli, Cassidy Butler, Megan Carney, Emily Davis, Chloe Ferreri, Mickey Gray, Brianna Hartman, Maya Herbst, Riley Keenan, Rose Kershner, Alexa Krause, Catherine Ladson, Christie Lohr, Kaylin Mora, Noah Pendleton, Natalie Popky, Anna Potson, Sabriel Watkins, IsabellaYackanicz, and Ashley Zammetti.
“13” was directed by John DeFerdinando, with music direction by Stephen Fisher and choreography by Autumn Phillips.
Steel River has a full season of educational classes beginning at the end of September. For more information, email education@steelriver.org.
For information on upcoming shows and more, go to www.steelriver.org.
Steel River Playhouse is located at 245 East High St. in Pottstown.
