Rehearsals for 13 By Karen Milkins-Hendry
IN October 2011, a friend recommended I see a new production on at the Trades Hall Council building in Carlton. My family, Bron Kalos and Will Hanley went to see it with no expectations but a mild curiosity.
The production was 13, and it was put on by a talent school in Melbourne whose members had spent their September holidays preparing for the show. We were in a run-down, small part of the building, squished in uncomfortable metal seating with a small stage in front of us and the band on the side.
IN October 2011, a friend recommended I see a new production on at the Trades Hall Council building in Carlton. My family, Bron Kalos and Will Hanley went to see it with no expectations but a mild curiosity.
The production was 13, and it was put on by a talent school in Melbourne whose members had spent their September holidays preparing for the show. We were in a run-down, small part of the building, squished in uncomfortable metal seating with a small stage in front of us and the band on the side.
The opening number started and we were transfixed. The stage flooded with teenagers exuding energy, talent and incredible commitment. The music instantly enthralled us and we were smitten. All of us kept leaning over to the other, whispering madly, laughing loudly and sharing the journeys unfolding onstage.
Time flew and we were at the end of the show. We all left absolutely determined to bring this to Wonthaggi. At a WTG forward planning meeting the fate of the show was set. We would produce 13 in 2013 - what a fantastic ring that had!
Now, here we are, holding our breath and bursting out of our skin to bring the same joyous feeling to audiences that we were lucky enough to have nearly two years ago. When our cast of 39 bring the exhilaration, pain, frustration, laughter and joy of turning 13 to that opening number they will have set the tone for the next 100 minutes of pure entertainment.
As a production team we couldn't be happier. To have such a large cast with an age range of 11-16 come together for a common purpose was a challenge that was met with surprising ease.
I have said to many people that anyone who says with a sigh “The youth of today ...” needs to come to rehearsal. Our experience was that these young people were disciplined, committed and showed great passion for what they were doing.
The show only opened on Broadway in 2008 so it will not be well known to many of our regular supporters. It will be a case of expect the unexpected, be ready to laugh and reflect, and let the emotion of teenage vulnerability near the end bring a tear to the eye.
The Wonthaggi theatrical Group team is incredibly proud of what we will be presenting this year and can't wait for the opening night crowds to spread the word of the talent of the youth in our own backyard. See you in the theatre!
Karen Milkins-Hendry is director of 13, which opens at the Wonthaggi Union Theatre next Saturday and runs until June 6. Tickets Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club or phone 5672 1083.
Time flew and we were at the end of the show. We all left absolutely determined to bring this to Wonthaggi. At a WTG forward planning meeting the fate of the show was set. We would produce 13 in 2013 - what a fantastic ring that had!
Now, here we are, holding our breath and bursting out of our skin to bring the same joyous feeling to audiences that we were lucky enough to have nearly two years ago. When our cast of 39 bring the exhilaration, pain, frustration, laughter and joy of turning 13 to that opening number they will have set the tone for the next 100 minutes of pure entertainment.
As a production team we couldn't be happier. To have such a large cast with an age range of 11-16 come together for a common purpose was a challenge that was met with surprising ease.
I have said to many people that anyone who says with a sigh “The youth of today ...” needs to come to rehearsal. Our experience was that these young people were disciplined, committed and showed great passion for what they were doing.
The show only opened on Broadway in 2008 so it will not be well known to many of our regular supporters. It will be a case of expect the unexpected, be ready to laugh and reflect, and let the emotion of teenage vulnerability near the end bring a tear to the eye.
The Wonthaggi theatrical Group team is incredibly proud of what we will be presenting this year and can't wait for the opening night crowds to spread the word of the talent of the youth in our own backyard. See you in the theatre!
Karen Milkins-Hendry is director of 13, which opens at the Wonthaggi Union Theatre next Saturday and runs until June 6. Tickets Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club or phone 5672 1083.