Netflix’s Family Film Adaptation Of 13: The Musical Finds Its Stars

13: The Musical is being adapted into a family film for Netflix, Tony Award winner Robert Horn to adapt the script based on the book he co-wrote with Dan Elish for the original Broadway version of 13;  three-time Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown to compose new music; and Tamra Davis attached to direct. 

Following a move from New York City to small-town Indiana, Evan Goldman (12) grapples with his parents’ divorce, prepares for his impending Bar Mitzvah, and navigates the complicated social circles of a new school.

The Broadway version featured the first and only all-teenager cast and band and served as professional debuts of Ariana Grande and Elizabeth Gillies. The musical has since been a popular production of high school theater groups.

The cast includes Eli Golden, Gabriella Uhl, JD McCrary, Frankie McNellis, Lindsey Blackwell, Jonathan Lengel, Ramon Reed, Nolen Dubuc, Luke Islam, Shechinah Mpumlwana, Kayleigh Cerezo, Wyatt Moss, Liam Wignall, and Khiyla Aynne.

13: The Musical joins Netflix’s growing slate of live action family films featuring kids and teens, which includes upcoming film Skater Girl from first time director Manjari Makijany and He’s All That starring Addison Rae and Tanner Buchanan directed by Mark Waters (Mean Girls) . Recent releases include Finding ‘Ohana, directed by Jude Weng (Fresh Off the Boat) and starring Kea Peahu and Alex Aiono; Feel the Beat, directed by Elissa Down (The Honor List) and starring Sofia Carson; and 2019 comedy Tall Girl, directed by Nzingha Stewart (Little Fires Everywhere) and starring Ava Michelle.