One Light Theatre Company presents "13 the Musical" this weekend

LACONIA — This weekend, One Light Theatre Company’s Education Department brings talented local youth onstage in a production of Jason Robert Brown’s "13 the Musical."

In "13," soon-to-be-teenaged Evan Goldman’s life is pretty much perfect. He’s making plans for his Bar Mitzvah and feeling on top of the world – until his parents' divorce forces him to move away from New York City to small-town Appleton, Indiana. He's never going to survive without befriending the coolest kids in school. But as it turns out, "cool" may be in the last place he'd ever expect it.

"13 the Musical" is a touching, hilarious coming-of-age story created for young adults. The show was written to combat the lack of opportunities for teenagers to both see and portray themselves onstage: its original Broadway run in 2008 marked the first (and only) time that a Broadway production has ever had a cast and band exclusively made up of teenagers. Featuring a score by Jason Robert Brown and book by Dan Elish and Robert Horne, the show is sure to ring true for teenagers and parents alike.

One Light’s talented cast, under the direction of Gilford’s Matt Demko, features middle and high school students from all around the Lakes Region. Jason Robert Brown’s orchestrations are notoriously difficult, and this group has been putting in hard work since February in order to rise to the challenge. “The level of talent our young actors brought to the table allowed me to make ambitious moves vocally, and I think they’re really going to pay off,” says music director David Sheehy. The band, led by Sheehy on piano, also features high school students Calvin Dodge (drums), Brady Ellsworth (guitar), and Matt Camerato (keyboard).

Sheehy, One Light’s company manager, adds of the rehearsal process: “I’m so proud of the fact that One Light has yet another cast that doesn’t have to compromise the fun for the sake of a good show. They have been able to enjoy the process and produce a great production, which is something I value.”

Join One Light at Laconia High School this weekend to see just what teenagers can accomplish when given the freedom to be themselves!

"13 the Musical" will be held on Friday, May 4, at 7 p.m., with a matinee on Saturday, May 5, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for students and seniors and $15 for adults, and can be purchased by calling 603-848-7979 or visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/13-the-musical-tickets-42850991469. Some tickets will be available at the door.