The teen cast of Netflix’s adaptation of the Broadway musical ’13.’ (Photo: Netflix)
Jason Robert Brown fans will be thrilled to know that a film adaptation of his teen-themed musical 13 is coming to Netflix. A release date is still to be announced, but many starry names are tied to the project.
13 opened on Broadway in 2008 (featuring a young Ariana Grande!) with music and lyrics by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown and book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn. The musical follows Evan Goldman, a city adolescent who moves to small-town Indiana where he copes with his parents’ divorce, first crushes, his impending Bar Mitzvah, and the mercurial social circles of his new school. The score features well-known songs such as “Hey Kendra,” “The Lamest Place in the World,” and “A Little More Homework.”
The Netflix original film adaptation will feature screen stars Rhea Perlman (Matilda, Cheers) as Grandma Ruth, Josh Peck (Drake & Josh) as Rabbi Shapiro, Peter Hermann (Younger) as Joel Goldman, and Emmy winner Debra Messing (Will and Grace) as Mrs. Goldman, the protagonist’s mother. The teenager-led cast also features Gabriella Uhl, JD McCrary, Frankie McNellis, Lindsey Blackwell, Jonathan Lengel, Ramon Reed, Nolen Dubuc, Luke Islam, Shechinah Mpumlwana, Kayleigh Cerezo, Wyatt Moss, Liam Wignall, and Khiyla Aynne.
Jamal Sims choreographs the film, and Tamra Davis directs. Davis is known for her work on Younger, Billy Madison, Crossroads, and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
