Northbrook Theatre Youth Company Presenting Musical '13 JR.'

NORTHBROOK, IL — Featuring a cast of 78 community members between the ages of 8 and 15, "13 JR." will be performed this weekend by the Northbrook Theatre Youth Company, a program of the Northbrook Park District. Shows are scheduled for 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, at Field Middle School.

While performances from the Northbrook Theatre Youth Company are typically held at the Northbrook Theatre, that venue is undergoing renovations, reopening as the Northbrook Community Center next spring.

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Described as a coming-of-age musical, "13 JR." resonates with the young cast and includes thoughtful nods to Jewish culture, while allowing for plenty of artistic flexibility both onstage and offstage, according to Melody DeRogatis, performing arts supervisor for the park district.

"Audiences can expect a fun-filled hour of coming-of-age entertainment, performed by some of the most talented kids on the North Shore," DeRogatis said. "This play has a lot of great insight into the heart and mind of a middle-schooler — something that everyone can benefit from seeing."

The park district credits a longstanding partnership with West Northfield School District 31 for making the relocation of the performances possible, while also expanding the program's reach.

"At a time when our primary location is under renovation, the support from Superintendent Erin K. Murphy, along with the school district's administration and staff, is instrumental in helping us continue to deliver meaningful experiences," Eileen Loftus, director of recreation for the Northbrook Park District, said. "Together, we create opportunities for children and families to connect, learn, and recreate, whether it is through before/after school programs, summer camps, or performances [like this one]."

Field Middle School is located at 2055 Landwehr Road. Tickets for "13 JR." are $15 and can be purchased at nbparks.org/theatre.