Summary of "MickeyJoTheatre" Podcast Episode: Mickey-Jo saw 13 Going on 30 the Musical | What this workshop presentation was like?

Introduction

In the October 27, 2023 episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host Mickey-Jo delves into his experience attending the workshop presentation of the musical adaptation of the beloved 2004 film 13 Going on 30. Known as a prominent voice in theatre criticism with over 60,000 YouTube subscribers, Mickey-Jo offers his insights into this latest West End production, providing a comprehensive overview for theatre enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Source Material Overview

Mickey-Jo begins by contextualizing the original film, 13 Going on 30, highlighting its coming-of-age narrative centered around Jenna Rink (played by Jennifer Garner). Jenna's whimsical wish on her 13th birthday to be "30, flirty, and thriving" magically transports her to her 30th year. The film's charm lies in Garner's portrayal of a teenager navigating adult life, emphasizing the importance of retaining one's inner child. Mickey-Jo notes, "The great joy of the film is Jennifer Garner bringing this 13-year-old's sensibility and perspective to adult life."

Production Team and Adaptation Faithfulness

The musical adaptation boasts the involvement of original screenwriters John Goldsmith and Kathy Jesper, ensuring a faithful transition from film to stage. Mickey-Jo praises this commitment, stating, "It is a pretty faithful adaptation. A lot of the best lines from the film are recreated in this show as well as many of the most iconic scenes." The score is crafted by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, known for their work on First Date and other notable musicals. Mickey-Jo mentions, "The score that they've written for this [musical] is very typically contemporary musical theatre."

Workshop Presentation Details

The workshop presentation, a developmental reading of the show, featured minimal staging, no costumes, and limited choreography. Directed by Andy Fickman, renowned for directing Heather’s the Musical and films like She's the Man, the production maintained an engaging atmosphere despite its workshop format. At [05:30], Mickey-Jo describes Fickman's direction: "Andy is perhaps best known for having directed another screen-to-stage adaptation, Heather's the Musical...which means he has an understanding of the tone that this kind of show needs."

Cast Highlights

Mickey-Jo provides an in-depth look at the talented cast assembled for the workshop:

• Lucy Jones as Jenna Rink: Described as "one of the best Jenna Huntersons I have ever seen," Jones brings a "sunny demeanor and easy comedy and charm" to the role. Her impressive vocal prowess is highlighted by her performances in Wicked and her representation of the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest.

• Jamie Moscato as Jamie Moscato: Portraying Matt Flamhalf, Moscato is praised for his ability to "play these offbeat, quirky guys with an enormous heart and an exceptional rock tenor voice."

• Moat Grace as Lucy: Known for her versatility, Grace effectively embodies the "brilliant Judy Greer role" from the film, showcasing her adaptability across various performances.

• Caleb Roberts as Richard: Roberts steals scenes as the Andy Serkis-inspired character, bringing humor and charisma to the role.

Mickey-Jo also acknowledges the impressive performances of young company members, emphasizing their talent and contribution to the show's dynamic.

Musical Numbers and Scenes

The adaptation incorporates several key musical moments from the film:

• "Thriller" Dance Sequence: Retaining the iconic dance number, the musical replicates the film's memorable scene where Jenna gets everyone dancing to Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

• Original Songs: While some beloved moments, like the Pat Benatar's "Love Is A Battlefield" scene, are adapted with original compositions, such as the song about "owning it," which imparts valuable life lessons to Jenna.

Mickey-Jo notes, "We still get that scene and we still get the same sort of narrative direction, but we don't get that song. Instead, they sing an original song about, like, owning it." The musical also features upbeat numbers, romantic duets, and comedic songs that enhance character development and plot progression.

Comparisons to Other Adaptations

Drawing parallels to other screen-to-stage musicals, Mickey-Jo likens 13 Going on 30 the Musical to productions like Doubtfire and Mean Girls. He states, "In terms of other screen-to-stage adaptations, I would most closely compare this to Doubtfire or to Mean Girls. I feel like it sits pretty neatly alongside those in the wider pantheon of musicals based on films."

Future Prospects and Production Insights

Produced by Royo, a prominent group in the UK theatre scene known for productions like Winnie the Pooh the Musical and Oscar at the Crown, the musical stands on a solid production foundation. Mickey-Jo speculates on the show's future, pondering its potential move to London’s West End and the possibility of touring productions. He expresses optimism about the cast's commercial viability and the producers' strategic positioning: "They definitely have their fingers in a lot of pies, which is how you find success as producers. And this is one of their latest projects."

Final Thoughts and Audience Engagement

Closing the episode, Mickey-Jo shares his excitement about the musical's journey and encourages viewers to engage by attending upcoming workshop performances or sharing their thoughts online. He invites feedback from those who have seen the show, fostering a community dialogue around its potential success as a full production.

At [29:00], he concludes, "I hope that you have enjoyed this video. If you did, make sure to subscribe to my theatre-themed YouTube channel for many more videos coming soon about all your favorite shows."

Conclusion

Mickey-Jo's detailed exploration of 13 Going on 30 the Musical offers valuable insights into the adaptation process, cast dynamics, and production quality. By maintaining fidelity to the source material while introducing fresh musical elements, the show promises to captivate both fans of the original film and new audiences. Mickey-Jo effectively conveys his enthusiasm and supports his analysis with specific examples and professional observations, making this episode a must-watch for theatre aficionados eager to stay informed about emerging productions.