What I liked
The songs are first rate. I would buy the soundtrack. The cast fully committed to the vision which was bonkers but brilliant.
What I didn't like
If the show had a live band it could really fly.
My overall impression
I didn’t know what to expect walking in, but as soon as “I don’t know what sex feels like anymore” rips into it’s rocking chorus with the terrifically talented cast grabbing their crotches in unison I knew they were all in. In that moment, it reminded me of the cadets in Full Metal Jacket who grabbed their crotches while singing “this is my rifle this is my gun.” As those cadets committed to the brilliance of Stanley Kubrick’s vision of Vietnam so too do these actors commit to whacked out gonzo fuck it all coming of age comedy that is 13th Grade. I don’t know what else to say. This show is the perfect collusion of great songwriting and comedy and balls out awesome 90’s nostalgia that gives me new faith in theater. It’s Saved by the Bell meets Wet Hot American Summer, and BALLS.
Love, love, loved it.