13 was an amazing fun night. Normally one would assume that a cast composed of high school students would attract only a meager audience of close friends and parents, however this show has something for the young and old, related to the cast or no.
The show didn’t boast an orchestra or elaborate lighting or a highly intricate set but it did have an amazingly talented young cast whose powerful vocals were supported by a funky piano track. Their comedy was well timed, and while some might believe inappropriate for the age group, it was instead an accurate image of that time. The characters feared, believed and were motivated by the things you remember from your own thirteenth year. It is a fresh reminder to those stale in their adulthood.
Most notably was Joel Cumber as Archie. His comedic hits came from both verbal and physical comedy. Archie poked fun at himself constantly and used his terminal illness to his advantage. His physical comedy was by far the best. It was surprising how much laughter came from a soft joke and a poke with his crutch.
Other highlights included football star Brett (Peter Lawler|)’s back up singers (Nolan Henshall as Eddie and Cameron Murray as Malcom) and their smooth R&B rundown of Brett’s attempts to get “tongue”, while at the same time being the 13 year old boys we remember from our youth.
The show runs from April 6 to April 9 and I FULLY recommend catching a show. It’s laugh out loud funny, is musically pleasing and its one hell of a good time. Even their preshow featuring songs from past KWMP productions was very enjoyable. My personal favourite was “Those Canaan Days” from Joseph’s Technicolor Dreamcoat as sung by Joseph’s brothers. I thoroughly enjoyed their French accents.
Again, check it out while you can! It’s playing at the Conrad Centre of Performing Arts. You can buy tickets through the K-w Symphony
519-745-4711 or http://tickets.kwsymphony.on.ca/calendar.aspx
