13: new musical to begin performances at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre from 16 Sep

A casting call reveals that the new musical comedy 13, will begin previews at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre from 16 Sep 2008.

13 has book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn, music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, and will be produced on Broadway by Bob Boyett and Tim Levy.

Directed by Jeremy Sams, with choreography by Christopher Gattelli, 13 tells the story of Evan Goldman, a 13 year old boy who has has it all � he's popular, has the 'perfect' family and lives in the greatest city in the world � New York. That is until his parents get divorced and he's forced to move � to a small town in Indiana. Uprooted from his old life, he has to make new friends and somehow maneuver the minefield of High School to become part of the 'in-crowd.'

13 had its world premiere at The Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles from 22 Dec 06 - 18 Feb 07.

The musical is currently running at Goodspeed's Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Connecticut , where it began performances on 9 May 2008 and is due to end its limited engagement on 8 Jun 2008.

The Goodspeed production features Graham Philips and Hudson Thames, in rotating performances, in the leading role of Evan Goldman. It has been rumoured that some of the Goodspeed cast will transfer to Broadway, though there has been no official confirmation.

The casting call is for the following roles:

Evan: Jewish kid from NYC, transplanted to the middle of Indiana. Concerned with making cool new friends who will come to his Bar Mitzvah. Seeking an exceptional young actor. Charming, nice- looking, charismatic. Must be a great singer and actor.

Archie: Sweet, appealing, immature. Has all the issues that every teenager has, PLUS he is physically challenged.

Brett: Football player, typical jock. A magnet- the girls think he is hot, the boys want to be just like him. Good looks, sexy. More mature than the other boys.

Patrice: Intellectual, smart, a bit lonely. She is not a victim. Has her own agenda. Sweet, warm, friendly and very appealing.

Kendra: Appears sweet and innocent but�sexy and well-developed in a wholesome, Midwest way. Real cheerleader material. A magnet like Brett; the girls want to be like her and the boys want to date her. Flirty and a strong comedienne.

Lucy: Kendra�s best friend. Another sexy, social and mature teen. They are competitive, especially for Brett�s attention. She is tough and determined. Strong comedienne.

Richie, Simon, Eddie, Malcolm: More 13-year-olds. They are not very cool, and try to emulate Brett. Adolescent, geeky, somewhat awkward. Also funny and charming - the typical adolescents. Great singers and comedic actors, all shapes, ethnicities, sizes and types.

Molly, Charlotte, Cassie: They worship Lucy and Kendra. Want to belong, want to be cool. They are cheerleaders, in appearance and personalities. Funny, sweet - a bit na�ve.