Youth theatre returns with ‘13: The Musical’

When she started working on “13: The Musical” for Firehall Theatre, director Angela Menotti caught word Netflix was doing a movie of the same Broadway show.

A few weeks ago, she realized something else: The movie premieres on Netflix Aug. 12, the same night her show opens. People could literally watch at home what she was trying to put on stage.

She chose to be optimistic about it.

“I’m hoping the Netflix movie will help bring some people to the theatre after they’ve seen it,” she says.

But she figures there’s another reason people may come out — the return of the Niagara Falls Summer Players, at least in spirit.

The Summer Players was an arm of the Firehall Theatre season that allowed youths to stage their own show at the Niagara Falls theatre during the summer months. For many performers, it was a crucial introduction to the stage.

Thanks to an $8,000 grant from the city’s Cultural Development Fund, Menotti and Firehall Theatre veteran Laurie Moffat are bringing a new generation of kids back to Firehall for the summer: 10 on stage and 16 behind the scenes.

“We wanted to bring some youth back to the Firehall Theatre,” says Menotti, who cofounded the School of Dramatic Arts operating out of the Walnut Street venue.

“That’s how you start encouraging young kids to get involved and have a say in it. And help build the longevity of the Firehall Theatre.”

When it premiered in 2008, “13: The Musical” was the only musical in Broadway history with a cast and band comprising entirely teens.

The story follows a 12-year-old Jewish New Yorker named Evan who is about to have his bar mitzvah (“the Jewish Super Bowl”) for his 13th birthday. But before that happens, his parents divorce and he moves to Indiana with his mother, where he’s forced to start over with a whole new group of friends and enemies alike.

Much like the Summer Players years ago, Menotti says the new venture gives youth some stage know-how without the financial commitment.

“13: The Musical” runs until Aug. 21 at Firehall Theatre, 4990 Walnut St.

Tickets are $15 adults, $10 students/seniors, available by emailing 13showtix@gmail.com.