Performers showcase their teenage triple-threat talent
SAN JOSE, CA—June 2, 2016— Today marks the opening of Starting Arts Dream Team II’s (www.startingarts.com) production, 13. The production runs June 2, 3 at 7pm, June 4 at 2pm and 7pm, and June 5 at 2pm and 5pm at the Historic Hoover Theater located at 1635 Park Avenue in San Jose. For show information and to purchase tickets, visit http://dt213.eventbrite.com/.
13, with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown and book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn, centers on twelve-year-old Evan Goldman who is plucked from his fast paced, preteen New York City life and plopped into a sleepy Indiana town following his parents’ divorce. Surrounded by an array of simpleminded middle school students, he needs to establish his place in the popularity pecking order. The musical questions whether he can situate himself on a comfortable link of the food chain or will he dangle at the end with the outcasts.
13 originally opened on October 5, 2008 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. When it opened, it made history by becoming the only Broadway production to feature an entire cast of teenagers, as well as a teenage band.
Starting Arts’ Dream Team II production, directed by Stephanie Renee Maysonave and co-directed by Robert Lopez is making history as well by being the team’s first production with a live orchestra. The two talented casts will perform musical numbers, such as “13/Becoming a Man”, “Lamest Place in the World”, “A Little More Homework” and “Brand New You”.
This show deals with deep and complicated issues with the irreverent and often inappropriate humor that is the hallmark of the average preteen. Dream Team II performers are 11 to 14 years of age, the same age range as their characters.
“I am incredibly proud of our performers for tackling this material with maturity and professionalism,” said Maysonave. “They have managed to connect to their characters and turn out remarkably vulnerable performances.”
13 is produced by Starting Arts Artistic Director, Mike Boston, under the musical direction of Corey Miller, and choreographed by Christine Scadina and Kelly Velasquez.
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About Starting Arts DREAM TEAM II (www.startingarts.com/programs/dream-team-dt2/)
Dream Team II is a select group of young artists ranging in age from 11 to 14 years. Through the Starting Arts program, team members receive weekly expert training in music (vocal), dance and theater, and monthly workshops with arts professionals. Specialized workshops are designed to develop a variety of skills including auditioning, performance technique, stage combat, and stage management. The team also participates in various community performances and produces an annual showcase. Dream Team II has been assembled since August 2011.
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About Starting Arts (www.startingarts.com)
Starting Arts is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is the promotion and preservation of quality arts education in public schools. Since 2001, Starting Arts has partnered with school communities and districts in the San Francisco Bay area to provide both during and after school programs in visual and performing arts for children in grades K through 12. Starting Arts actively promotes all four arts disciplines: Dance, Theatre, Music, Visual Arts, and now Film. Starting Arts receives and solicits operating funds from individuals, corporations, foundations and government agencies. Contributors not only help educate the next generation of artists and audiences – they help teach creative thinking skills to the future innovators and leaders of our world.