FUSE Presents: 13 the Musical

Fuse Theater Company proudly presents: 13 the Musical! Following the move from New York City to small-town Indiana, Evan Goldman grapples with his parents’ divorce, prepares for his impending Bar Mitzvah, all while navigating the complicated social circles of a new school. With music by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown, this exciting musical is a story about being a teen specifically written for a teen cast! Three chances to see this show, June 21 & 22, 7pm and June 23, 2pm at the Walled Lake Central High School Auditorium.

Breaking away from their traditional summer performances, FUSE Executive Director, Karen Nave, emphasizes how important it was to have a show that featured this specific age group. “Every year we have this great group of younger students who come and do the big summer show. And they’re just as talented as their older counterparts. But a lot of times with our older cast members, younger kids don’t always get the featured leads. This group of students is SO talented, I knew we needed a show that would really show case what they can do.” Nave also warned to not be fooled by a younger show meaning simpler music. “One of the things that drew me to this show was the fact that it was written by Jason Robert Brown. He writes incredible scores for adult shows and honestly, this show is no exception. And the kids are just nailing it!”

In addition to the great score, which will be performed along side the students by a LIVE band, this show was an opportunity for younger staff members to do some work. Abbey Born, a freshman at Lakeland High School, had a hand in choreographing several numbers for the show. “I was really excited when Karen Nave announced the show, but even more excited to have the opportunity to choreograph some of the songs. I really love this show, so that was really fun to work on!” Born said. Seta Hagopian, a junior at IA West, also took on the responsibility of choreography for the show. “I’ve been so impressed with both ladies and not only the content they brought, but the professionalism and ease in which they handled rehearsals and teaching our cast these amazing numbers,” Nave observed.

The other reason Nave chose this musical is because it’s content is timeless. The story of a boy, Evan Goldman, moving to a new town and having to navigate social cliques and coming to grips with changing relationships and who he is as a person, is something we can all relate to, no matter what age. “It’s been a minute since I was 13, but watching these kids in rehearsal and act this story out, really takes you back to that time of adolescence. And honestly, figuring out who you are and navigating that world is still something you sometimes have to do as an adult!” Jillian Armstrong, who plays Patrice, agrees. “I really love this show and while some of it is a little more dramatic (because it’s theater), there are a lot of different parts of the story that I can relate to. And that’s been really fun to explore.” Bennet Wikle, who plays Evan Goldman, echoes this sentiment. “Evan spends a lot of his time trying to the ‘cool’ kids to come to his party and in the process hurts the people who actually care about him. Figuring out who your real friends are and the people who are really important to you is something I know kids my age are going through.”

13 the Musical is comprised of students ages 11 – 15 from Milford, Highland, Commerce, White Lake, West Bloomfield, and Walled Lake. In addition to an all student crew, the musical also boasts students in the band as well. Performances will be held at Walled Lake Central High School in the Auditorium with three chances to see this amazing show! June 21 and 22, 2019 at 7pm and June 23, 2019 at 2pm. Tickets are available online at: www.FuseTheaterCompany.com or at the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Box Office. Online tickets are $10 Senior/Student and $12 Adult and available at the door $12 Senior/Student and $15 adult. For any further information on location, FUSE, or our other upcoming shows, visit us online or find us on Facebook! Fuse Theater Company is a not for profit organization.