Question about "13, A New Musical"- Page 2

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 11/18/08 at 8:49pm

srgan2,

My distaste for 13 has nothing to do with it being popular to dislike this show. Perhaps, the popularity to trash 13 has more to do with why I disliked it. Perhaps, the popularity to trash 13 is justified by the quality of what is being presented.

As for the point of your post... you are correct that the question was about age appropriate. I guess you and I have very different ideas about what is, and isn't, appropriate for any age. Perhaps, I have more respect for young audiences and their ability to discern good and bad theater.

You wrote, "extrem[e]ly talented and expiring actors"... "expiring" is a good choice of words. Energy isn't compensation for a cast unable to meet the very basic challenge of their job: singing the score and hitting the notes! Perhaps, 13 needs to "expire"!


Updated On: 11/18/08 at 08:49 PM

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 11/18/08 at 8:53pm

srgan2,

"a good run on Broadway..." We don't know how long 13 will remain on Broadway. Rumor is that it's closing in March. If 13 last to March, do you really consider that a "good run"?

I would think you very young and inexperienced regarding Broadway theater, but you wrote that you have kids. I'm confused.

Look this is getting nasty and that wasn't my intention. I honestly wanted to direct someone away from what I believe would be a waste of their time and money.

You are entitled to your opinion and I mine. People can make up their own minds as to whether or not they wish to see this show.

Updated On: 11/18/08 at 08:53 PM

[sleepyguy1717]

Posted: 11/18/08 at 9:26pm

I think Scott's opions are well stated, and fine. Agree to disagree people. He was offering one opinion, one side of the spectrum. He wasn't rude or inappropriate. Just critical.

That being said, I haven't seen 13 yet, but I love the cast recording and have tickets already. I'm 16 going on 17 (:)) So I'm not exactly what they're targeting, but I think it seems like a fun show. My only worry is that the kids' voices aren't going to be able to hold out. Its hard stuff for a teen, especially with all the stress of opening a Broadway show and in their own lives.

[srgan2]

Posted: 11/18/08 at 9:36pm

To answer you question you can find your quotes at 13 understudies dated 11/4/08 9:34pm by dg22894. Entry #10/12/14 It's not getting nasty this is simply a rebuttal to someone who for some reason wants to bully their opinion everytime someone has a question or comment about this show. When you say that your not one to randomly take a swipe at a show because it's popular to do so and then turn around and do it at every oppportunity one has to question the motive.
Updated On: 11/18/08 at 09:36 PM

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 11/18/08 at 9:49pm

Currently, the only running thread regarding 13 is this one. My opinion isn't the popular one here.

As I wrote above, I am not trashing 13 because it's popular to do so. I was genuinely angered by what I experienced. I found 13 dull - bad - and an affront to my sense of what I believe a Broadway musical can and should be.

As for the general popularity in the theater community to not having embraced 13 (see weekly grosses), well you can speculate all you want. Some people will say that it's the quality of the show, some will say that it hasn't had a chance to find it's audience. I think both are true. However, I think 13's "audience" would be very small. This is not a comment on younger theater goers, but on what I believe are theater goers with discriminating taste.

Please, question my motives. They are transparent. I didn't like 13. It offended my sensibilities. I wish to communicate that.

What do you think are my motives? Updated On: 11/18/08 at 09:49 PM

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 11/18/08 at 9:57pm

I'd rather he go and decide for himself weather or not he likes it instead of listening to the opinion of one person. There are too many people on here who hate specific shows simply because its the "in" thing.

[notabb]

Posted: 11/18/08 at 10:00pm

I am much older than the target demographic and I had a great time. No , it's not PIAZZA but it's well worth seeing. For the lovely song "TELL HER ' alone I'd go see it again.

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 11/18/08 at 10:01pm

Actually, I agree. I try and see just about everything because I want to make up my own mind. (Funny, that I'd be typing that.)

So, let me clarify... I really disliked 13. It offended me. I am angry that it tries to pass as a Broadway musical. I have standards - a show not be boring - that it didn't live up to.

Having typed this, I think everyone should go and see for themselves.
Updated On: 11/18/08 at 10:01 PM

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 11/18/08 at 10:03pm

AND! with notabb's post, I am definitely in the minority here. So, the "popularity" theory doesn't explain the vinegar I feel towards this show.

[defyinggravity42694]

Posted: 11/18/08 at 10:10pm

Scott Briefer,

You say its like all shows, where kids learn to be true to themselves...

*****SPOILER******* ****This will ruin the very end!****
Not many shows have the popular girl be so dumb at the very end. Kendra doesn't realize that her friends don't really like her for her, like most people expect. While Evan learns a lesson, Kendra learns nothing and chases Brett. Most of the audience expects Kendra to go with Evan, Patrice and Archie and realize that there is more then the 'popular' group. This show is different from many other ones because she doesn't realize. Which not only makes it different but it is probably what would happen if real teenage life.
*******END SPOILER*******

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 11/18/08 at 10:12pm

defyinggravity42694, how old are you? Do you really think such pettiness makes for an interesting twist on the teenage angst theme?

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 11/18/08 at 10:14pm

you know what... I am just being nasty. The truth is, there is nothing in this thread worth the time and energy I've put into writing these posts. What does that say about me?

For those who venture into this thread, and have read this far, go and see 13. You'll probably love it. I have to be more pathetic than this show for even caring.
Updated On: 11/18/08 at 10:14 PM

[srgan2]

Posted: 11/18/08 at 10:59pm

The problem here Scotty is not your opinions or even your motivates for sharing them. I don't believe anyone who has read you thread has been confused about your motives. It's the fact that you would rather superimpose your idea of theater or "Broadway quality" or lack thereof on others who haven't had the oppotunite to experience this show and to develope their own opinions which may or may not parallel your own. To be passionate, as you are, is one thing but to attempt to deprive, as it appears you have tried to do at every opportunity, an individuals ability to form their own opinions has to be challenged. expiring actors good catch.

[ken8631]

Posted: 11/19/08 at 9:19am

wow- didn't expect such a long thread - I'm recommending that they go see it based on what I've seen so far (going with the majority here).....

Thanks for all the input so far!!!!

Ken

[jess20882]

Posted: 11/20/08 at 8:33pm

according to delaney ('kendra'), "13" is closing...
has anyone heard any info?

[yankees1253]

Posted: 11/20/08 at 8:49pm

i read from her too, just loggin into my facebook. i bet it will be announced later tonight or tommorrow.

[Bwayfan39]

Posted: 11/20/08 at 9:21pm

I was informed the show was closing as well...I believe in early January.