Musical 13 to play Tulsa

The Broadway musical 13 by TK Productions will take the stage at the Southeast Campus of Tulsa Community College in the Studio Theatre of the VanTrease Performing Arts Center for Education (PACE) October 13 – 16.

With lyrics and music by Jason Robert Brown from the book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn; the story concerns the life of 13-year-old Evan Goldman as he moves from New York City to Appleton, Indiana, and his dilemma when the move conflicts with the celebration of his Bar Mitzvah.  It premièred in 2007 in Los Angeles and transferred to Broadway in 2008.

Terry and Kathy Grufik, the producers and directors of the show, have worked with young actors in the Tulsa area for numerous years and their reason for presenting 13 is to  bring together some of the most talented teens from the Tulsa area, representing Clark Theater, Encore! Theater Arts, Owasso Community Theatre Company, Spotlight Children's Theater and Youth Onstage and to stage a musical that has never been performed in the Tulsa area.  

“We are not promoting a specific theatre company in the Tulsa area but rather bringing local talented teen performers together so they can promote the theatre companies they primarily work with,” Terry Grufik said.

13 is a fast paced hilarious, yet poignant musical focusing on life in a Midwestern Junior High.  The show follows Evan Goldman, (played by John Tupy), the new kid in town, as he maneuvers his way through the social hierarchy of cool kids and geeks.  The musical features fabulous musical and dance numbers.  An ensemble cast of 19 includes performers from Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks and Owasso.

Due to some content and language, this production may not be appropriate for children ages 10 and under.

Tickets at $10 for all ages and may be reserved at the PACE Ticket Office.  To purchase tickets, call 918-595-7777.  The Studio Theatre of the VanTrease Performing Arts Center for Education is located at 81 Street and Highway 169.  This show will mark the first time 13 will be presented in Tulsa.

Cast photos provided by TK Productions.