We take a look at what is being said about the world premiere of the musical which continues to run in Manchester until the 12th October.
WhatsOnStage: **** “The score by Alan Zachery and Michael Weiner is a sugar rush of catchy tunes, balancing pop and power ballads with the big ubiquitous “Thriller” moment, immortalised in the film. Add to this slick choreography, endless costume changes and a set that frequently transforms with all the magic of fairy dust, and you have a winning combination.”
The Stage: ** “New musical based on the popular film is bland and aimless.”
Theatre & Tonic: *** “The show has all the elements of fun, campness and early noughties nostalgia- honouring the film perfectly with characters we know and love. The songs are excellent, catchy, and each member of the cast doesn’t miss a single beat – and our Jenna, played by Lucie Jones, is a musical powerhouse.”
The Guardian: *** “The essential takeaway – that you should embrace your true self, dorkiness and all – is simple and saccharine. But occasional knowing winks cut through the sentimentality and the performers bring much-needed charm to the earnest material. Lucie Jones is lovably goofy as Jenna, contrasted with David Hunter’s world-weary Matty – a man who no longer believes in soulmates and fireworks – and Grace Mouat’s deliciously catty turn as Jenna’s frenemy Lucy. They’re often accompanied on stage by the excellent young cast as reminders of the more hopeful, innocent versions of themselves they’ve left behind.”
Opening Night.org: **** “Lucie Jones is perfectly cast as Jenna, kooky and charismatic with soaring vocals she takes the role and truly makes it her own. Her Jenna is warm, witty and enormously likeable. The pairing of Lucie Jones and David Hunter as Matt is perfection, they bounce off each other brilliantly and have you rooting for them from the start. Hunter is a joy as Matt, retaining the witty sarcasm Ruffalo gave us in the film while ensuing the character brings a genuine charm and vulnerability to this uplifting production. Their relationship feels entirely believable and as an audience we fall just a little bit in love with them both.”
Magenta Adventures: “What makes this adaptation work so well is its balance of nostalgia and originality. The production honours the film’s most iconic moments while introducing new music that feels fresh and authentic. Catchy, clever, and emotionally resonant, the songs add depth to the story without ever distracting from it.”
Manchester Evening News: ***** “Put simply, the adaptation just works. It perfectly balances the nostalgia of the early 2000s film with fresh originality. It carefully honours the film’s most iconic moments, including the night-out dance to Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ and memorable one-liners, with colourful visuals and somewhat dated outfits proving exactly what you’d expect from a story rooted in the noughties.”
Theatre Weekly: **** “With strong central performances and a nostalgic heart, it feels like a production that could grow into a sparkling addition to the stage musical canon.”
The Reviews Hub: *** 1/2: “A joyful, upbeat and tightly executed production hampered mostly by the inextricable ghost of it’s well-beloved predecessor. 13 Going on 30 is a fun night at the theatre and a great showcase of talent, but don’t go expecting the film you loved when you were a teenager.”
West End Best Friend: **** “13 Going On 30 the Musical is a joyous, feel good musical. It’s not without its flaws lyrically and a larger physical wouldn’t have gone amiss, but this production boasts an outstanding cast (assembled by Will Burton for Grindrod Burton Casting and Keston & Keston) and you are guaranteed to leave tapping your feet with a smile on your feet, wanting to start “living in the here and now”.”
To book tickets visit ATG Tickets.