13, The Musical

‘Wow' what a sensational premier it was... absolutely brilliant, love it, brilliant!

Barely less than a year after it was commissioned in New York, Simon Parris whilst in city on a lookout for St Michael musical, had the opportunity to screen some of the new plays available in Broadway and when he discovered 13, he found what he came for. With the likes of Bye Bye Birdie, Grease or High School Musical, 13 without a doubt has all the materials suited to the younger performers. And after careful selection and months of training, a total of 54 cast members kicked off 13 with a blast  at the CUB Malthouse, Melbourne.

Beginning from the onset, when Evan Goldman's rabbi recited a prayer reminding him of his coming Bar Mitzvah, up to the ending when Evan himself rekindled the rabbi recital, the casts had our attention captured instantly and sets us into a night of splendid musical repertoire. Filled with catchy tunes and witty lyrics, accompanied by superb musical arrangement of the school band and clever choreography, the two hour show was a delightful startling performance.

And then of course there was Adam ... the magical soul that makes this musical an extra special to us. Playing Eddie, Adam took on a role as one of the four sidekicks to Brett, the soccer captain at St Quail High in Appleton, Nevada. This is Adam second musical after his last year appearance in Hot Mikado as a gentleman of Japan. Inspired from this first appearance, Adam decided to audition and after the call back, was chosen as part of the main casts.

Admitting having a bit of butterfly on the opening night, Adam shows no sign of nerve and put up a commendable act. I must admit I was feeling rather anxious for him especially with his solo numbers but what a performance he did! He even managed a very sexy move in 'Hey Kendra' number, much to my amusement and his solo in 'Bad, Bad News' was smooth and soulful, cool.

Tim and I were obviously glued to every moves Adam made and every note he sung. Suddenly all the noises he made every morning in the bathroom, before and after school car ride now sound really good on stage. Our entourage, seated with us were seen clearly excited each time Adam appeared on stage belting out his numbers. I guessed they were pleasantly surprised with Adam's talent and were full of praises of him, how nice.

The audience were supportive too, packing the Merlyn Theatre on all night shows, parents, siblings and school mates were all there to give their love ones and friends some moral boosting. Outside at the foyer, cheers, words of admirations, hugs and kisses were flowing soon as the casts made their way to the waiting crowds. This year, we came prepared with a bouquet and roses stalks for Adam which he accepted with a slight surprised but appreciative he was. 

This is Adam last musical with St Michael, awaiting year end is his VCE exam and soon he will be making his way to tertiary education and if at anytime he wishes to be involved  in a musical, rest assured he can count on us to be in the audience. We were thrilled with his talent and witnessing how he had blossomed over the years into a charming lad performing in front of us is pleasantly assuring.

Go Adam, you're our star!

ps. 
To Mummy and Grandad, and Opah, wish you were here...

To Parris and Calia, thanks for trusting in Adam.

To Adrian, keep up the brilliant performance, your path to broadway is possible.

To Sam, Dante, Amy, Harry, Sean, Patrice, you guys were all awesome, budding actors.

To the ensemble, enjoyed your talents.

To the band, without you guys, the magic is gone, bravo for such splendid arrangement.

Hot Mikado

It was a standing ovation at the end of the play. Moved by the dedication, perseverance and the obvious talent displayed, the thunderous applause of admiration to more than 50 talented souls bowed before us was an instanteneous respond. This finale night performance at The Atheneaum Theatre was truly a special moment both for the cast and the audience.


Seated in the front row in the Dress Circle, I was amongst those beaming with pride and joy, as I watched Adam on the stage acting his role in the two hours long musical play of the HOT MIKADO, first produced a century ago by Frankie Hewitt at Ford's Theatre, Washington DC and authored by WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. THE MIKADO as it was originally titled, is a Japanese love story set in the eighteen century. The change in name was later introduced when jazz and swing music found its way into the play to create a more upbeat and lively musical show as it is staged today.

Don in a white shirt with grey trouses and secured braces, a hat and a 'tap shoe', Adam was one of the 'Gentlemen of Japan'. Looking savvy and sleek and with the rest of the lads, Adam was in his elements and enjoying himself. I thought he stood up amongst the cast and was prominently visible at all times.. or so I felt being the mum!  Alas, am pretty sure all the other mums in the audience would have had the same notion anyway.

Albeit their youth, the skills and talents within the cast are comparable to those professional in the art scene and St Michael Grammar over the years to my opinion has produced some of the best musical play in Melbourne. This year's production director, Mr Simon Parris seated two chairs next to me at time could be seen mouthing scripts uttered by his students on stage, and Ms Calia, the musical director at the Stall area beneath us was singing along whilst conducting the school band. A picture of passionate tutors.

Soon as the curtain came down, we made way down to the lobby area joined by the many families and friends awaiting for the appearance of our loved one. Some are seen with bouquets while others like us were all ready with our arms and lips for those big hugs and kisses... and camera of course to capture those moments. I greeted some mums whom during the pre production had volunteered with sewing costumes. And how amused we were to find our name mentioned in the souvenir program, how sweet.



I must admit my earlier outing to the play did not exude the immenssed feeling I experienced tonight. The front row seating, audience responses, the finale performance of the play could have contributed to profound feeling I had, but most of all I am absolutely sure the joy of seeing my Adam putting his best foot forward each night on public stage has made this outing such a special one for us.

p/s To Dada, away in KL, sorry you had to miss the show . To Mee, who celebrated her 72nd birthday on this night, Adam had those moves as a 'birthday gifts' and to family and friends who attended the show, thank you for your morale support... and do enjoy the photos.