Lauren Baron
BRANT NEWS

Evan Goldman is on a mission.

Uprooted from New York City and moved to Appleton, Indiana, the 12-year-old is out of his element. People in Appleton don’t know what a Bar Mitzvah is and Goldman’s big-city upbringing clashes with the town’s middle-America lifestyle.

To ward off being pegged as a geek and establish himself with the “in” crowd, Goldman sets a goal to have all the popular kids attend his Bar Mitzvah.

Written by Jason Robert Brown, the Broadway musical 13 showcases the trials and tribulations of turning that age.

Twelve-year-old Brantford actor Max Marshall is taking on the lead role of Evan in EPB Productions’ performance of 13, running at Melrose United Church Performance Hall in Hamilton on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2.

“Evan faces the problems of becoming 13, plus trying to become friends with each and every group and he can’t do that without disappointing someone,” Marshall said.

Marshall won the lead role after only one year of acting. His only other role was in Theatre Ancaster’s The Music of Michael, but when he heard about 13, he jumped at the chance to perform again.

“It’s fun to become someone else,” Marshall said. “I think Evan is a really fun guy to play and 13 is very fun to have a role in. It’s a good time and we are laughing every rehearsal. I think everyone who will come out will leave laughing.”

13 is put on through EBP Productions’ Young People’s Theatre program out of Ancaster. Brantford resident Erin Bree Pierce started the program through her EBP Production company as a way to give youth an edge in the industry.

“With all the community theatres around here, a lot of their main stage productions don’t involve a lot of young people,” she said. “There seemed to be a need for this kind of a program in this area so that’s how we started.”

Pierce, who has a vocal performance degree from Western University, has a long resume as an actress, model, dancer and vocal coach. Through the Young People’s Theatre program, she teaches youth from beginner to advanced all things musical theatre.

“It’s a great way to build their skills…and it helps them develop and grow as a person,” Pierce said. “I really think it’s a big confidence boost just letting them come out of their shell. It’s amazing what you see when you start the kids in September and see what they do in their show in February.”

Tickets to 13 cost $15 per person and can be purchased by calling 905-617-2733. Visit www.ebpproductions.com for more information.