Middle school students form the cast of “13.”

NAPILI — Maui Preparatory Academy presents its first show with a live student band with its production of “13,” a Broadway musical comedy about being a teenager and growing up by Jason Robert Brown.

The show will be staged on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at the ‘Ulalena Theater in Old Lahaina Center at 6:30 p.m.

Maui Prep is able to perform this show by permission from Music Theater International, and this premiere marks the first time a theater company has performed this show in Hawaii.

The production is directed by Maui Prep Director of Arts Vania Jerome and includes 24 middle school student actors, one middle school student stage manager and the live band comprised of seven upper school Rock Band students. Jerome also plays keyboards, guitars, ukulele, bass and drums in the production.

“We casted the show back in December and began rehearsals in January,” explained Jerome last week amidst rehearsals for the production.

“The show is being choreographed by Lauren Olsen and myself, and Ashlie Welte is the acting coach. MAPA (Maui Academy of Performing Arts) and Maui OnStage have contributed costumes, and we have an amazing parent production team led by Michelle Otto.”

“13” is the musical story of 12-year-old New Yorker Evan Goldman as he navigates his teenage life through his parents’ divorce, a move to Indiana, his impending Bar Mitzvah and his struggle for acceptance and friendship in the new “lame” town.   

“I think the play is really funny — and fun,” said middle school student Davis Pfitzer.

The production includes 16 musical numbers, including the cast finale singing “Brand New You.”

This musical is rated PG and contains material that may not be suitable for young viewers. It’s recommended for students fifth grade and up.

Ticket prices are $15 (pre-sale) and $20 at the door for adults (18-59), and $10 (pre-sale) and $15 at the door for children and seniors (60-plus).

Tickets are available for purchase from any cast member or at the Maui Prep office on campus across from Napili Plaza. For more information, call 665-9966 or e-mail Vania Jerome at vjerome@mauiprep.org.