Review: 13 Going On 30 The Musical

If it worked so well for & Juliet, it may well work here too. Manchester Opera House is currently housing the world premiere of a new musical, following the film to musical trend. This film is one of the highlights of the noughties. Get ready to be 30, flirty and thriving, because 13 Going On 30 The Musical is currently playing at the Manchester Opera House. 

And now that the press night has been and gone, I am now free to let my thoughts thrive

For those who aren't familiar, 13 Going on 30 was originally a film released in 2004 starring Jennifer Garner and future Hulk Mark Ruffalo, about 13 year old Jenna, who wishes more than anything to be cool and popular. After being humiliated at her 13th birthday party, she wishes for time to jump, for her to be "30, flirty and thriving". A bit of magic dust later and... she wakes up on her 30th birthday. With seemingly everything she ever wanted. Or is it?

13 Going on 30 is not a film I have seen all the way through (I know I know, bad millennial), but the show is very faithful to the film, from what I remember. That's perhaps not surprising though, because it book is written by Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yupsa, the writers of the original film. They, along with music and lyric writers Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, have created a show that is full of fun material, full of of joy and, as the company sing in the finale, "living in the here and now". That is particularly true when Heathers director Andy Fickman sprinkles his magic. 

If the fact of 13 Going on 30 becoming a musical penned by the original writers isn't a draw for the musical theatre world, then the casting as lead Jenna certainly will be

Jones (Treason, [title of show]) raises the roof as Jenna, endearing and believable as a 13 year old stuck in a 30 year old body. After playing more serious parts over the years such as Fantine and Elphaba, Jenna is a part for Jones to let her hair down and have some fun, and she revels in it. And similarly to her performances RENT and Legally Blonde, she reminds us how funny she can be when given the right material. It's always humour with a lot of heart in, perfect for Jenna; in her more vulnerable moments, with Jenna reflecting on how her life has turned out, and that she's not the woman she expected to be. 

Leading the cast alongside her is David Hunter (Waitress) as Matt, Jenna's best friend all grown up. It's no wonder he and Jones had amazing chemistry, after their years playing opposite each other in Waitress, so there was no one better to cast alongside her in all honesty. He played the awkward boy next door type very well. 

Finally in the main cast was Grace Mouat (Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella) as Lucy, "30 year old" Jenna's best friend. I enjoyed her a lot, but wish she had a little more material and breathing space, to allow her bigger moments in the second act have more impact. 

However, I have to also mention that if you want to see the stars of tomorrow, go to 13 Going on 30. 

Among these big names stars however are a company of younger performers who play the younger versions of certain characters, as well as the teens hired for the photo shoot in the 2nd act. Especially young Jenna and young Matt, played at this performance by Amelia Minto and Max Bispham respectively, who remain as a conscious part of the show. They are also given tricky choreography by Jennifer Weber which rivals that of the professionals. Anna De Oliveria in particular as Lulu is an excellent dancer. Congratulations to all in Team 13. 

I would highly recommend 13 Going on 30 before it finishes in Manchester on 12th October 

It is so much fun, joyful, funny, but also gives you an opportunity to reflect on your younger self. If you give this show a little time (ironic I know), it could become something big. This Manchester run really does feel like an out of town trial that has London on its mind. And unlike A Knight's Tale, I don't think it would need much tweaking at all. I am going to keep an eye on this musical's progress, because it should be very interesting indeed.