This past weekend, Villanova Student Musical Theater (VSMT) performed 13: The Musical in the Smith Performance Lab. It will perform its second run from Feb. 19 to Feb. 22.
The production, directed and choreographed by sophomore Gianna Lauria, follows the story of soon-to-be 13-year-old Evan Goldman as he navigates the social scene at his new school in Appleton, Indiana. Goldman grapples with the idea of true friendship and the notion that everything might just turn out okay in the end. Overall, Goldman won the audience over with his innocence and desire to fit in, something many find relatable. The choreography and singing made the audience joyful, and the humor produced many laughs.
Sophomore Betty Lundborn, who is also VSMT’s DEI Coordinator, plays “Archie Walker,” a character living with a degenerative illness. He uses mobility aids to get from point A to point B, and is characterized by his unique sense of humor and big heart. This is an important aspect of the show, and Betty takes this role very seriously.
“It’s also crucial for the audience to know that Archie’s personality is influenced by the fact that he has less time than his peers, so he must grow up faster,” Lundborn said.
Lundborn’s experience navigating this role is unique, as she has lived with a disabled individual. She credits this with helping her to learn how to play the role accurately and sensitively.
“I spent the majority of my teen years caring for a family member who has ALS, which is quite similar to the disorder that Archie has, and this really informed the way that I decided to tell Archie’s story,” Lundborn said. “I think that my lived experience helped me have more empathy for his character, but also a more realistic and nuanced view.”
Lauria has been ecstatic about this production from the moment she began preparing her material. She appreciates the age of the characters and how she experienced that era of her own life, as well as how 13: The Musical connects to her musical theater experience.
“As you can read in more detail in my director’s note in our production’ Playbill, 13: The Musical was not only the first Broadway soundtrack I ever listened to but also one of the first shows in which I performed a leading role,” Lauria said.
Musical numbers such as “Terminal Illness” and “What it Means to Be a Friend” were approached with utmost respect to the messages they expressed while also staying true to the comedic nature of the show, which speaks to Lauria’s prudence as a director.
“As the director of 13: The Musical, my greatest goal throughout this process has been to approach the story with the utmost accuracy, authenticity and compassion,” Lauria said. “I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
Tickets for 13: The Musical can be found on the Mullen Center’s website.
