Spinning Tree Theatre to Stage KC Professional Premiere of '13'

The musical "13" is a delightful story that everyone can relate to having lived through those awkward teen years. Spinning Tree Theatre presents the Kansas City professional premiere of "13" with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown and book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn.

Spinning Tree Theatre opens with "13" tonight, Feb. 11, and continues performances through Feb. 28 at Just Off Broadway Theatre, 3051 Penn Valley Drive, Kansas City, Missouri.

Spinning Tree Theatre's production of "13" features Kansas City's brightest stars-to-be*, who are teenagers from across the metropolitan area. The story surrounds Evan Goldman, who just moved from New York City to small-town Indiana following his parent's divorce. On the heels of the move and divorce, Evan's Bar Mitzvah is coming up and now he has to navigate the complicated social circles of a new school. Spinning Tree's production is an explosive and heartwarming evening of song and dance. This production is recommended for ages 13 and up.

"13" is directed by Spinning Tree Co-founders Michael Grayman and Andrew Parkhurst with musical direction by Gary Green and choreography by Kenny Personett.

"You hear many voices when you go to the theatre...but you rarely hear the voices of teenagers," Grayman said.

" '13' deals candidly with teenage life today, told against a rockin' Broadway score by Jason Robert Brown. Kansas City has more than its share of young talent, and we are proud to feature 19 of our brightest stars-to-be," Parkhurst said.

Both matinee and evening tickets for "13" are available by calling Spinning Tree Theatre (816) 569-5277 or online at www.spinningtreetheatre.com. Tickets are $30-$45 and student tickets are $20. A discount is offered for groups of 10 or more; seating is limited.

"13" is the third offering in Spinning Tree Theatre's fifth season. In April, Spinning Tree will present Peter Shaffer's powerful play "Amadeus" starring Robert Gibby Brand and Walter Coppage rotating in the role of Antonio Salieri.

Spinning Tree Theatre aims to produce works that celebrate and reflect the diversity of Kansas City itself by exploring a variety of cultures and art forms through theatre, music and dance. Our goal is to present new, contemporary and classic pieces that are relevant, thought provoking and entertaining. We hope to educate, challenge, stimulate and inspire audience and artist alike.

*Cast of "13" (role, actor, their school and city of residence):

EVAN Fisher Stewart; Olathe Northwest, 9th (Olathe)

PATRICE Allison Banks; Lee's Summit North High School, 10th (Lee's Summit)

ARCHIE Joshua Holloway; Trailridge Middle School, 8th (Lenexa)

BRETT Jared Berlin; Shawnee Mission Northwest, 10th (Lenexa)

KENDRA Libby Terril; St. Teresa's Academy, 11th (Lake Quivira, KS)

LUCY Devyn Trondson; S. M. Northwest, 9th (Lenexa)

EDDIE Jake Bartley; Olathe Northwest, 10th (Olathe)

MALCOLM Sheridan Mirador; Academie Lafayette, 8th (Kansas City, Mo)

CHARLOTTE Darcie A. Hingula; Monticello Trails Middle, 7th (Shawnee)

CASSIE Holly Jackson; Westridge Middle School (SM), 8th (Lenexa)

RICHIE Cael Kuhn; Holy Trinity Catholic School, 7th (Lenexa)

SIMON Jordan Haas; Delta Woods Middle School, 8th (Blue Springs, Mo)

MOLLY Janie Carr; St. Paul's Episcopal Day School, 8th (Kansas City, Mo)

FEMALE ENSEMBLE:

Katie Hulla; Lakewood Middle School (BV), 8th (Overland Park)

Callie Fabac; Olathe Northwest; 10th (Olathe)

Emerson Pereira; Pembroke Hill, 7th (Prairie Village)

MALE ENSEMBLE:

Jackson Tomlin; Trailridge Middle School; 8th (Shawnee)

Jackson Berland; Lawrence High School; 9th (Lawrence)

Samuel Wise; Barstow School, 7th (Lenexa)

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